IOC appeals to Japanese people to welcome athletes

The International Olympic Committee said Saturday that it understands the concerns and skepticism of the Japanese people regarding the holding of the Summer Olympics during the outbreak of the pandemic and says it hopes that this will change at a later time due to the success of the host country's athletes in competitions on the ground.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed by one year due to the global pandemic, are being held without spectators and under strict quarantine regulations.

"We are fully aware of the concern a number of people feel here in Japan. I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome the athletes competing in the Games," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference.

"We appeal to the Japanese people and ask them to welcome and support athletes from all over the world. Athletes, just like the Japanese people, want a tournament where everyone is safe and secure," Bach added.

And the first Olympic official added, "The Japanese people can trust (in holding a tournament where there is safety and security for all) and we will work to continue this dialogue with them and know that we will succeed 100 percent."

But Japanese public opinion remains tepid about the Games amid a surge in coronavirus infections and fears that the influx of foreign visitors will help turn the Tokyo Olympics into a contagious event, which in turn could put further strain on Japan's already strained health system.

Bach said he hoped the mood in the host country would change when Japanese athletes achieve success in competitions at the tournament on the ground.

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