The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says that despite the coronavirus they are fully committed to the 2020 Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9.
Following the disruption caused by the global pandemic there has been speculation as to whether the 2020 Olympic Games will be cancelled or postponed.
However the IOC says it is still too early to make any such decision.
“The situation around the COVID-19 virus is impacting preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and is changing day by day,” said the IOC executive board.
“With more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage. Any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.”
The IOC is encouraging all athletes to continue training and requested that all stakeholders do everything possible to help contain the spread of the virus.
“We will keep supporting the athletes by consulting with them and their respective National Olympic Committees and by providing them with the latest information and developments.”
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has stated that he wishes to host the Olympics and Paralympics “perfectly”, proving that humanity can conquer the new coronavirus.
The IOC continues to monitor the situation and is utilising a task force created in mid-February.
Measures have already been taken to address various issues arising from travel bans and suchlike due to the outbreak.
Currently, 57 per cent of athletes are qualified. For the remaining spaces, the IOC will work with the International Federations (IFs) for the various codes to make any necessary adaptations to their respective qualification systems.
Any increase in quotas will be considered on a case-by-case basis under exceptional circumstances, with the support of the organising committee.
“The health and well-being of all those involved in the preparations for the Olympics is our number-one concern,” said IOC president Thomas Bach.
“All measures are being taken to safeguard the safety and interests of athletes, coaches and support teams. We are an Olympic community; we support one another in good times and in difficult times. This Olympic solidarity defines us as a community.”
