JOC Chairman Yamashita, "I want you to think positively," March 25, 13:16
JOC = Yoshihiro Yamashita, chairman of the Japan Olympic Committee, announced in Tokyo that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be postponed for about one year for the first time in the history of the Games following the worldwide spread of the new coronavirus. In response to the interview, he said, "I want you to prepare positively for 2021."
Mr. Yamashita commented on the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, "The direction was decided earlier than expected. There are athletes who have various feelings, but I think that it is a difficult decision considering the safety of athletes, so I understand that I think it's difficult to change your mind, but it's not impossible to see the future, so please prepare positively for the year 2021. The event will be held a year later. Is wonderful. "
He explained that the period of "one year" was better, "the shorter the delay, the better. If two years, the burden on the athlete would be too great, so one year is reasonable."
Regarding the selection of players by each competition group, "Some players may be" phantoms "depending on the job offer, but the situation is different in each group, so basically respect each intention I would like to listen to the opinions and thoughts of players and groups sincerely and stay close to them. "
He further stated that he did not compete at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, when he boycotted Japan. "There are things that life has not done or did not anticipate. I want you to be excited and challenge yourself next year with a young feeling. I think some athletes are trying to finish their competitive lives at the Tokyo Olympics, but I want them to think positively about everything. "