Olympics work goes on despite virus scare

Despite the spread of the raging coronavirus, preparations for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are in full swing in host nation Japan.

The torch relay, which was launched on March 25 from J-village football training center in Fukushima prefecture, is continuing around Japan. In the run-up to the showpiece, there is decisive progress as the organiser believes that the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games could be a symbol of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.

In March 2020, the Olympics torch arrived in Fukushima from Athens, Greece. But, the torch relay was suspended once the postponement decision was made. While the relay is up and running now, only limited audience are allowed to experience it live due to the pandemic.

“The participants, who will compete at the Olympics, and the Japanese people, who will welcome foreigners, must remain safe from the coronavirus infection. We want the athletes to perform to the best of their abilities during the Olympics. Keeping the safety of the big event in mind, we have decided to not have foreign audience,” said Seiko Hashimoto, chairman of the Olympic Organising Committee.

“When we overcome the coronavirus infection, the success of the Tokyo Olympic Games is guaranteed. To realise it, we shall make efforts. Already, we have decided to hold a marathon in Sapporo Hokkaido. The region has cool climatic conditions even during the summer months.

“As the torch relay is going around Japan, we have been witnessing good response. Energetic athletes, contributors and people’s positive response has encouraged me and others,” said Yuriko Koike, chairman of Tokyo Metropolitan Government.