2021 Olympics: Japan is determined to host the Tokyo Games despite rumors of cancellation

On Friday, the London Times quoted an unnamed senior member of the ruling coalition as saying that Japanese authorities had concluded privately that the Olympics could not continue due to the ongoing pandemic. CNN did not independently verify the report, which Tokyo officials quickly denied.

In a statement, Tokyo 2020 organizers said that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had expressed his determination to hold the Games and that meetings were continuing to ensure they could continue, while implementing in-depth infection control and other precautionary measures due to the pandemic

“We are determined to work closely with the Tokyo capital government, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the IOC to bring about a safe and secure Olympics,” Suga said.

Other Olympic officials were quick to deny the Times’ allegations.

“Unfortunately, I have to dwell on unfounded rumors that the Tokyo Games will be canceled, rumors that only create more concern for athletes in our sport,” the chief executive of the Australian Olympic Committee told the Tokyo Games on Friday. The flames will be lit on July 23, 2021. This was reaffirmed by the Japanese Prime Minister this afternoon. ”

In a Twitter thread, Canadian Olympic chief David Shoemaker said his team “did not know about the decision taken by the Japanese government, as reported.”

“The Canadian Olympic Committee is confident that the Games can be organized safely and successfully, given what has been learned in the sport over the past few months and the emphasis that the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee have placed on Covid-19 countermeasures,” he said. he. “We continue to prepare for participation in Tokyo 2020 with a focus on the health and safety of our athletes, their families and their communities.”