IOC "2022 Beijing Winter Olympics May Proceed Without Spectators"

Tokyo Olympic soccer match held without spectators.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not ruled out the possibility that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, scheduled for February next year following the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, will also be held without spectators.

Christophe Dubi, IOC Olympic Director, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on the 4th (local time), "We will decide whether to allow spectators after observing how the pandemic unfolds worldwide, especially in China."

He added, "I have heard from many athletes, and they value the opportunity to compete. They say they are accustomed to no spectators. Of course, if given a choice, having spectators is better."

The Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee has not yet commented on whether domestic and international spectators will be allowed. Ticket sales have also not started yet.

Despite being postponed by one year, the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics are being held virtually without spectators to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will take place over 17 days from February 4 to 20 next year.

The IOC partially relaxed the ban on political expressions at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, and Dubi said this policy will be applied as is to the Beijing Winter Olympics.