IOC chief's delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July | Inquirer Sports

IOC chief’s delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July

/ 09:27 PM May 20, 2021

Thomas Bach IOC olympics

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 10, 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach attends a press conference in Lausanne. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Olympic chief Thomas Bach will visit Japan by mid-July, the IOC has announced, after he was forced to cancel a planned trip this month over virus restrictions.

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said in a letter to officials published late Wednesday that Bach would arrive by July 12 — less than two weeks before the virus-postponed Games are set to begin.

Article continues after this advertisement

Bach had originally planned to visit in May, but was forced to scrap the trip with parts of Japan under a virus state of emergency.

FEATURED STORIES

He had planned to take part in the Olympic torch relay in Hiroshima, at the city’s atomic bomb Peace Memorial Park. But virus restrictions mean the event was held without spectators.

Public sentiment is against the Games, with polls showing a majority of Japanese want the event delayed further or cancelled.

Article continues after this advertisement

Organizers have outlined extensive virus countermeasures to keep the Games safe, including barring overseas fans for the first time ever.

Article continues after this advertisement

But with Japan battling a fourth wave of infections, doctors’ associations have warned that the healthcare system is already overstretched and the Games could add further stress.

Article continues after this advertisement

IOC officials are currently hunkered with local organizers for three days of online talks that began Wednesday.

Bach announced in opening remarks that he believes more than 80 percent of athletes and team members staying at the Olympic village will be vaccinated by the time the Games open on July 23.

Article continues after this advertisement

He also said the IOC was willing to bring extra medical personnel to reduce the burden on Japan’s healthcare system.

Local media reported Thursday that the total number of people entering Japan from overseas for the Olympics and Paralympics would be halved, as organizers look to allay public anxiety over the Games.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Around 94,000, they said, would arrive from abroad — including athletes, coaches, backroom staff, officials, IOC members, media and broadcasters — down from an original estimate of 200,000.

RELATED STORIES

IOC reassures anxious Tokyo Olympics will be safe

IOC confident of successful Tokyo Games despite public opposition

TAGS: IOC, Thomas Bach, tokyo 2020, Tokyo Olympics

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.