As the world enters a new phase in combating COVID-19 (read: more countries imposing lockdowns, self-isolation, etc), a lot of organisers around the world are unsure of the fate of their events planned for 2020.
And one those organisers are the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
There have been speculations whether the Tokyo Olympics slated to take place in summer this year will be postponed due to the Coronavirus epidemic, especially after several countries have announced their withdrawal from the event.
Well, we can put all those speculations to an end as the IOC has officially announced that the 2020 summer Olympics will indeed be postponed to 2021.
“In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community,” the official statement said.
And in case you’re wondering what will happen to the Olympic flame, the committee has decided to keep it in Japan as it symbolises a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times.
Tokyo will also maintain the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, although it will likely take place in 2021.
We know many fans and athletes are heartbroken over the news, but this was a good call from the committee as such events could posses a greater health risk to the world.
And one those organisers are the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
There have been speculations whether the Tokyo Olympics slated to take place in summer this year will be postponed due to the Coronavirus epidemic, especially after several countries have announced their withdrawal from the event.
Well, we can put all those speculations to an end as the IOC has officially announced that the 2020 summer Olympics will indeed be postponed to 2021.
Officially cancelled
“In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community,” the official statement said.
And in case you’re wondering what will happen to the Olympic flame, the committee has decided to keep it in Japan as it symbolises a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times.
Tokyo will also maintain the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, although it will likely take place in 2021.
We know many fans and athletes are heartbroken over the news, but this was a good call from the committee as such events could posses a greater health risk to the world.
