olympics-847-cliverose

Picture Credit: Google

In a recent development, it is now being speculated that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics 2020 this summer could be played without overseas spectators in an attempt to prevent the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic. The same has been leaked in the media by officials in the know of developments on Tuesday.

It is further being reported that the Japan government along with the Tokyo Olympic organising committee will hold a meeting with the International Olympic Committee and two other bodies later this month to make a formal announcement concerning the matter of overseas fans. A decision to not allow overseas is on the cards to address the concerns among the Japanese public over the spread Coronavirus at a time when more contagious variants of it have been found in many countries.

Earlier, several media reports had suggested that the decision on overseas spectators will be taken by the end of the month and although a formal call is awaited, officials have apparently leaked the news on conditions of anonymity.

Concern over rebound in infection rates in Japan

"We would really like people from around the world to come to the full stadium, but unless we are prepared to accept them and the medical situation in Japan is perfect, it will cause a great deal of trouble also to visitors from overseas," said Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee had earlier stated.

However, with lingering concern over a rebound in infection rates especially with the detection of new COVID-19 variants, seems like the organisers might well have to take the tough call. The Olympics, which was originally supposed to happen in 2020 has already been pushed back by a year and will happen between 23 July and 8 August. It would be followed by the Paralympics from 24 August to 5 September.