Picture Credit: Twitter
The upcoming Tokyo Olympics are finally on track to begin as scheduled on July 23. The fans heaved a major sigh of relief as the organizers confirmed that the Olympic flame will begin its relay across Japan next month.
Preparation for Olympics resume after one-year wait
Around 12-months back, the Olympic flame had arrived from Greece and the excitement around Tokyo Olympics had started building. The Olympic flame had been lit for Tokyo 2020 and the fans were looking forward for some major celebrations in the country.
However, just before the start of torch relay, the games were unfortunately postponed due to Coronavirus. Finally, after a gap of 1 year, it has been announced that the torch relay will take place in March. It further indicates that the Games will start as scheduled.
No shouting, No cheering: Yukihiko Nunomura
A list of rules has also been stated for the Torchbearers and other participants to ensure complete safety. The Torchbearers will be allowed to run without wearing a mask. However, it will be mandatory for others to wear one.
Yukihiko Nunomura, the vice-director general of the organizing committee, briefed everyone about the precautions that they need to take in the present circumstances. He said, “No shouting, No cheering. Please cheer by clapping your hands and maintain appropriate distance in case there is over-crowding.”
Torch Relay will begin from Fukushima
The torch relay will begin on March 25 in Fukushima. It is the prefecture that was severely damaged after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. It is a symbolic site that will highlight the theme given by residents of Japan to the games, "Reconstruction Olympics". The relay is expected to visit each of Japan's 47 prefectures. Although, it will be subject to how things unfold in the coming months.
Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said, "The infection situation will vary from area to area, so we need to take that into account and it will be very important to have a meticulous approach. We want to get the understanding of people in every area and connect the whole country under the torch relay concept 'Hope Lights Our Way'."
The relay is expected to end on July 23 at the opening ceremony in the National Stadium in Tokyo. It was also reported that the various other guidelines pertaining to the Games will come in April or May.
2032 Olympics to be held in Brisbane?
IOC recently confirmed Brisbane as preferred bidder for 2032 Olympics. While there has been reported interest from India, China, Qatar and Germany, the executive committee have been advised to initiate a targeted dialogue with Brisbane and the Australian Olympic Committee for the organisation of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Reflecting on the news, IOC President Thomas Bach said, "It is not a decision against the other candidates, it is a decision in favour of a candidacy," Bach said. The bid is expected to be focused around Brisbane and Gold Coast, considering their extensive sporting infrastructure.