[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has raised the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). While there are opinions suggesting postponing the Olympic Games, realistically, the likelihood of a delay is considered low.
IOC member Dick Pound said in an interview with the Associated Press on the 25th (local time), "If it is judged that holding the Olympics in Tokyo this summer amid the COVID-19 outbreak is very risky, the IOC is more likely to cancel the Olympics altogether rather than postpone or relocate the event." He added, "It is expected to take 2 to 3 months to decide the fate of the Tokyo Olympics," and anticipated that the decision on whether to hold the Games will be made around the end of May.
As the longest-serving IOC member, he stated that security measures for guards, food, the Olympic Village, hotels, and other preparations must begin ahead of the opening of the Olympics. He added, "If the IOC determines that it cannot hold the events in Tokyo as planned, it will probably cancel the Olympics." Regarding the possibility of postponement, he pointed out that many adjustments would be required if the Games were to be moved, saying, "You cannot simply say, 'Let's hold it in October.'"
Regarding the option of hosting the Games in a location other than Tokyo, he responded that "there are hardly any places in the world that can prepare so many things in such a short time," indicating that it is realistically difficult. This remark was made in response to London mayoral candidate Sean Bailey’s recent Twitter proposal to host the Olympics in London.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open on July 24. The IOC plans to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to decide whether to proceed with the Games.
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