TOKYO, April 20 — A Japanese expert who has criticised the country’s response to the coronavirus warned today that he is “pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held even in 2021. “To be honest with you I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year,” said Kentaro...
A general view shows the Olympic Rings at Odaiba waterfront in Tokyo, April 20, 2020. A Japanese expert who has criticised the country’s response to the coronavirus warned that he is ‘pessimistic’ that the postponed Olympics can be held even in 2021. — AFP pic
Japan and the International Olympic Committee agreed last month to delay the Tokyo 2020 Games until July 2021 after pressure from athletes and sports federations. “Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer, I wish we could, but I don’t think that would happen everywhere on Earth, so in this regard I’m very pessimistic about holding the Olympic Games next summer.”
Japanese officials opted to carry out an on-ship quarantine, but more than 700 people on board ended up contracting the virus, and 13 died. “We will continue to work closely with relevant organisations and review all necessary countermeasures.”
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