Tokyo (AFP)
Tokyo Olympics officials said on Thursday they had "a solid base" to host the event this summer, despite doubts about its feasibility, and felt encouraged by the committee chairman's support International Olympic (IOC) Thomas Bach.
Tokyo-2020 President Yoshiro Mori told reporters that Mr. Bach briefed organizers in Tokyo on his discussions with other parties involved in the Games, including athletes.
"He confirmed everyone's intention, and there were no dissenting voices or opposition from anyone out of nowhere. Everyone has a deep sense of wanting to go to the Tokyo Games," Mr. Mori.
"We are still on a solid foundation," he said.
At the end of a Wednesday meeting of the IOC Executive Board, Mr. Bach called for “patience” after a year of postponement and promised “safe” Games even in the midst of a pandemic.
However, he did not rule out that the Tokyo Games, postponed last year due to the global health crisis, could take place behind closed doors for the first time in their history.
Thursday, Tokyo-2020 confirmed that the first test event of the year for the Olympics had been postponed for two months due to restrictions put in place in Japan to fight against the coronavirus.
However, despite the fall in Japanese public support, major Western countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the Tokyo Games, as have top athletes.
"A year ago, there was a certain (negative) atmosphere. Now it's completely different," said Toshiro Muto, general manager of the Tokyo-2020 organizing committee, who also met with Mr. Bach on Thursday.
He also mentioned a desire to work for a "new" type of Olympic Games.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also told the IOC that China would support the organization of the Tokyo Olympics, added Muto.
The Summer Games in Japan are now scheduled from July 23 to August 8, 2021, but the limits of vaccination campaigns and the appearance of variants are fueling doubts about the safety and feasibility of these Olympics.
© 2021 AFP