‘Athletes should come with full confidence to Tokyo Olympics,’ asserts IOA chief Thomas Bach


‘Athletes should come with full confidence to Tokyo Olympics,’ asserts IOA chief Thomas Bach

Thomas Bach

We are hardly two months away from the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics. The Games which were originally scheduled in 2020 was postponed as the pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Even as the postponed Games draw closer, the deadly virus continues to wreak havoc in the World.

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With the general public of Japan against the hosting of the Olympics, the future of the carnival of sports is still uncertain. A recent poll by the Asahi newspaper found 59% of respondents were against any fans, up from 45% in April, with those in favor of just capping attendance dipping to 33% from 49%. An online petition asking the games be canceled has gained 400,000 signatures in a few weeks.

The Covid-19 pandemic is not showing any signs of easing down in Japan. Their government is looking to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas by about three weeks to June 20.

“Come with full confidence to Tokyo Olympics and get ready,” Thomas Bach

Thomas Bach
Thomas Bach

Amid the raging pandemic and calls for cancellation, International Olympic Association chief Thomas Bach assured that the organisers are working hard to organise the Olympics in the safest way possible. He shares that the comfort of the athletes and the general public of Japan is the priority of the organisers. He urged them stay assured and witness the carnival of sports go down without any hiccups.

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Because of the pandemic we all know, unfortunately, the athletes’ experience will be very different but what is important is the competitions can and will take place in a safe way and in full respect of the athletes,” said Bach.

This should give all of us a lot of confidence that it’s really about the athletes and about making the athletes feel comfortable and making the Japanese people feel comfortable. Come with full confidence to Tokyo and get ready.

Bach had earlier stated that the IOC officials believe that more than 80% of the residents of the village will be vaccinated by the time the Olympic Games get underway. “Take the opportunity whenever it arises to get vaccinated because this will increase the safety there for everybody, for yourself, for all your fellow athletes and for the Japanese people,” he said. “I got my two shots and I’m still in good shape.

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