Thomas Bach, chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is presiding over this year’s first executive committee meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. Reuters Yonhap News
Thomas Bach, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), promised again the successful hosting of the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled for July 27 (local time). However, it was also mentioned for the first time that the game can be played without spectators. The IOC is scheduled to announce the rules of precautions that Olympic participants must follow in the situation of a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) early next month.
“Our mission is to organize the Olympics, not to cancel it,” he said at an online press conference after the executive committee. “No one can predict the situation of Corona 19 in 206 countries from the end of July to September when the Olympics and Paralympic Games are held,” he said. “We are fully focusing on the opening ceremony on July 23 this year. I don’t speculate whether the Olympics will be held or not. We are working hard on how to hold it.”
Various speculations about the delay or cancellation of the Olympics were also dismissed. He said, “I heard about’Plan B’, such as postponing the Tokyo Olympics to 2032 and hosting the Olympics in other cities. But if you know the complexity of the Olympics, you know it’s impossible. The remaining time is short.” “Let’s argue with the players preparing for the Olympics. This speculation is hurting athletes who are already training under many constraints.”
Confidence was also revealed that a safe Olympics can be held amid Corona 19 if precautions are followed. “More than 7,000 international sports events were held this winter, and only 0.18% of the 175,000 corona19 tests were positive,” he said. “Many summer sports have already resumed and are showing the same results.” did.
However, Chairman Bach did not deny the possibility of the Olympics going to be unattended. He said, “I can’t tell you (whether or not the game is going to be played without spectators),” he said. “Everyone would want to see the crowds filling the stadium, but if this is not possible, we will follow the principle of’hosting a safe competition. On the day, Nikkan Sports reported that “we are considering restricting the admission to the stadium to domestic residents.”
Meanwhile, the IOC is planning to release a’Playbook’ (precautionary rule set) next week that contains the contents to be followed during the Olympic Games amid Corona 19. According to the Associated Press, the rulebook will include a plan for those arriving in Japan to participate in the Olympics and interviews, have a quarantine period before departure, and be tested at the airport and arrival hall. Players will be tested for Corona 19 from time to time in the athlete’s village.
Choi Dongsoon reporter [email protected]
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