Tokyo Games will be delayed for a year

THE OLYMPIC flame will stand as a “symbol of hope” when the world emerges from this dark period, organisers have pledged, confirming this year’s Games are to be delayed.

Planners behind Tokyo 2020 have bowed to the inevitable amid increasing warnings over the acceleration of the pandemic, stating they must prioritise health advice.

The Olympics and Paralympics will now be held in 2021, by the end of summer at the latest, the International Olympic Committee and Japanese government have said.

“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present,” they said in a joint statement issued as the decision was confirmed.

The British Olympic Association, which had been prepared to stand down athletes regardless amid the challenges that social distancing has posed to participants’ preparations, said the decision was the right one.

“The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period,” added chief executive Andy Anson.

Postponement instead of cancellation means the cost implications, while still significant, may be manageable as sponsors instead focus on creating a celebration for hope for 2021.

Funding for sports governing bodies from the Exchequer and the National Lottery is tied into Olympic cycles, with a new round set to begin next April.

The decision to postpone means a workaround will be needed, which UK Sport has said it will discuss in coming months with the summer Olympic and Paralympic sports bodies.