Senior IOC member uncertain as to whether Tokyo Olympics will go ahead

January 8, 2021

Dick Pound, the longest serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has expressed his uncertainty as to whether the Tokyo 2020 Games will go ahead.

While the organisers have said they are ready to host the rescheduled Games, Tokyo has this week entered a state of emergency over COVID-19.

With the budget for the Games, originally scheduled for 24th July to 9th August 2020 but postponed last March, spiralling and uncertainty over athletes being able to enter Japan, Pound has stated "I can't be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus."

Pound added that competitors should be high up the priority list when it comes to getting vaccinated, and also suggested that organisers could make it a condition for them to declare they have received the jab before entering Japan.

The IOC earlier stated athletes would not be obligated to do so, but noted "at the same time, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee are fully aligned in their commitment to have as many foreign participants as possible vaccinated before the Games.

"Athletes are important role models, and by taking the vaccine they can send a powerful message that vaccination is not only about personal health, but also about solidarity and consideration for the wellbeing of others in their communities."

Earlier yesterday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said there was a "sense of crisis" as he announced emergency COVID-19 plans for the nation’s capital

Games organisers have put a brave face on the emergency, advising “this declaration offers an opportunity for Tokyo 2020 to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer."

The Games organisers are also presiding over a massive increase in costs because of measures needed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites, the Tokyo Games are already the most over-budget Games for absolute dollar values at around US$7.2 billion over initial estimates.

Current cost estimates without the cost of the postponement already make the Tokyo Olympic Games the second most expensive Olympic Games in history. However, with the final price tag often far costlier than estimates, the Tokyo Olympic Games look set to become the most expensive Olympic Games in history when it is eventually held.

And a recent poll by national broadcaster NHK showed that the majority of the Japanese general public oppose holding the Games in 2021, favouring a further delay or outright cancellation of the event.

The rescheduled Games are set to take place between 23rd July and 8th August.

Lower image shows Olympic venue the Oi Hockey Stadium.

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