LEADING OFF SEARCH IS ON FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS BOSS

Whoever becomes the next president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee must have a deep understanding of gender equality, organizers said on Tuesday, after former head Yoshiro Mori quit over sexist remarks he had made. Preparations for the delayed Summer Games have been marred by a firestorm over comments made this month by Mori, who stepped down on Friday. In its first meeting on Tuesday, the Tokyo 2020’s candidate selection committee agreed on five requirements for a new leader, including a deep understanding of gender equality and diversity and the ability to actualize those values during the Games, the organizers said in a statement. Public opinion polls in Japan show many no longer want the event held there at all. Seiko Hashimoto, an incumbent Olympic minister and seven-time Olympian, is among potential candidates to replace Mori, local media said. Several Olympic medallists and a former Olympic minister can emerge as contenders, media reported.