Organisers insist Tokyo Olympics not under threat from coronavirus

Organisers say Games will open as planned on July 24

Cancelling or postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is not being considered despite the coronavirus outbreak, organisers have said.

A number of sporting events have moved after the outbreak which has killed more than 1,350 people and infected tens of thousands more in China.

The Chinese Grand Prix, due to take place in April, has been postponed, while athletics, golf and football have also been impacted.

But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said the Games would open as planned on July 24.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, he said: “I want to again state clearly that cancellation or postponement of the Tokyo Games has not been considered.”

John Coates, from the International Olympic Committee, said: “Of course we have unexpected issues to deal with, for example the coronavirus outbreak is one event.

“We are looking forward to hearing today from the Japanese government, the TMG (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) and your own organisation on the work that you are doing in collaboration with the World Health Organisation ... to ensure that all of the athletes, and all of the people who come to Japan for the games are not going to be affected, and that all the necessary precautions are being taken.”

World Rugby is rescheduling two rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, including the Hong Kong sevens, due to the spread of coronavirus.

The events will now be staged at the end of the series with the Singapore leg taking place on October 10-11 and the Hong Kong tournament on October 16-18.

“The health and safety of our players, fans and everyone working on the event is always our highest priority,” a World Rugby statement read.

“This prudent decision has been taken in order to help protect the global rugby community and the wider public and was taken based on the World Health Organisation and relevant public authority travel and health guidelines.

“The decision is fully supported by stakeholders, including unions and commercial partners.”

It was taken in conjunction with the Hong Kong Rugby Union and Sport Singapore.

Sevens is the latest sporting event to be cancelled because of the spread of coronavirus, which first emerged in China in December and has since claimed 1,355 lives among almost 60,000 infected in the country.

The Chinese Grand Prix and World Athletics Indoor Championships, both due next month, have joined tennis, football and golf in facing postponements and cancellations.