New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Japan is determined to host the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games to prove that humanity has defeated the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Suga said, “I will continue to spare no effort in order to welcome you to the games that are safe and secure.”
In March, the International Olympic Committee had announced that the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo would be postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic.
The mega event will now be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021, while the Paralympics will take place from August 24 to September 5, 2021.
Tokyo Olympic organisers also announced several ‘simplification’ changes for next year’s games. Local estimates suggest the delay will cost several billion dollars, most of which will be borne by local taxpayers.
“It’s like a glass half-filled, or half empty,” said Yoshiro Mori, president of organising committee, adding that some will see the cut as positive, and some will have expected much more. This will include rules for athletes entering Japan, the question of fans at venues, possible quarantines and the availability of vaccines.
