Japan Olympics call
PM Shinzo Abe says world games will take place Aust, NZ postpone ODI Test
JAPAN Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Tokyo Olympic Games would go ahead as planned in July, despite coronavirus concerns resulting in the postponement of sporting events.
Abe said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have the final decision whether Tokyo 2020 goes ahead.
"We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned," Abe said.
Japan has had more than 1400 cases and 28 deaths resulting from coronavirus.
The Tokyo Games is expected to cost about 1.35 trillion yen ($F28.29 billion), organisers said during preparations last December.
The Japan section of the Olympic Torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on 26 March. The recent torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators, before the rest of the relay in Greece was suspended to avoid attracting crowds.
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said: "We're taking thorough infection measures with regards to the torch relay domestically."
Several Olympic trials events in the United States have been postponed, including wrestling, rowing and diving.
However, the boxing events in London will go ahead on Saturday as scheduled. BBC
AUCKLAND - Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand has been postponed because of coronavirus.
The series was already being played behind closed doors, with Australia winning the first match on Friday.
However, the visitors have returned to New Zealand after a change to travel restrictions there.
Two ODIs in Australia will not take place, and three Twenty20s between the teams in New Zealand, starting on 24 March, have also been postponed.
Bowler Lockie Ferguson was isolated in the Black Caps' team hotel after complaining of a sore throat following Friday's game.
Cricket Australia said it would work with New Zealand Cricket to try to reschedule the fixtures in both series.
– Shinzo Abe We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned.