International Olympic Committee encourages athletes to continue to prepare for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a note in which it clearly stated that it’s determined to work on holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games as planned despite the current situation with the coronavirus outbreak across the world.

“This is an unprecedented situation for the whole world, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this crisis. We are in solidarity with the whole of society to do everything to contain the virus. The situation around the COVID-19 virus is also impacting the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and is changing day by day. The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive. The IOC encourages all athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as best they can. We will keep supporting the athletes by consulting with them and their respective national Olympic committees (NOCs), and by providing them with the latest information and developments,“ the IOC published on its website.

The IOC also acknowledged that Olympic qualifying procedures in several sports will be modified as it’s already working with international sports federations on adjustments to Olympic qualifying processes, which will be finalized by the start of April. The coronavirus pandemic has already caused massive disruptions to Olympic qualifying events around the world. However, the IOC said that 57% of the Olympic spots for the Tokyo Games have already been claimed, including indoor volleyball in both competitions.
With this note, the IOC confirmed the plan of the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Source: olympic.org / Photo: BBC