Chairman of IOC Bach "Environment that can ensure the safety of all participants" July 23, 7:33
Around one year until the opening of the Tokyo Olympic Games, which was postponed due to the effects of the new coronavirus, IOC=International Olympic Committee Chairman Bach responded to NHK's sole interview, and players from all over the world could see the next tournament. It was said that it was in a very difficult situation, and as a condition of the event, an environment where all the participants could be safe was mentioned.
IOC Chairman Bach responded to a remote-style interview with NHK at IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, after finishing his online meeting on the 22nd.
Among them, Mr. Bach said of the current situation of the spread of infection in the world, "I don't know when many athletes will practice the next tournament, how they should practice, and how to reach the peak. I was caring for the players.
In addition, he said, "I want to hold the Olympic Games in a safe environment for all people in the world. The WHO manages risks and holds it according to the guidance of the WHO." He expressed the idea that safety is to be ensured.
"The Olympics are a special place for people from all over the world to come together, so we have to deal with travel restrictions," he said. I pointed out.
As one of the simplifications of the Games that the Games Organizing Committee and the IOC are considering, regarding the reduction of spectators, "We have to prepare various scenarios. No one wants no spectators, but the Olympics in a safe environment. We will take necessary measures in order to hold the event.” With the priority on safety, we recognized that unseen audiences cannot be excluded from the options.
Then, regarding whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled in July next year, "I have made important decisions with the Japanese side so far. When the time comes to decide, I would like to cooperate and make decisions as before." To put it simply, the negative option for further postponement was "it was too burdensome to manage and prepare for the event. I am determined to hold the Tokyo event in July next year with everyone in Japan."