Games may be postponed because of coronavirus

Japan’s Olympic minister says the contract to hold the Tokyo Games only specifies the event has to be held during 2020.

Seiko Hashimoto’s response to a question in the upper house of parliament implies the Olympics could be held later in the year and would not have to start on July 24 as planned.

The Tokyo Olympics are being threatened by a fast-spreading virus that has been blamed for 12 deaths in Japan and has shut down most schools, sports competitions and Olympic-related events in the country. The virus that started in China has been detected in at least 70 countries, with 90,000 cases and 3100 deaths reported.

‘‘The IOC has the right to cancel the games only if they are not held during 2020,’’ Hashimoto told parliament. ‘‘This can be interpreted to mean the Games can be postponed as long as they are held during the calendar year.’’

IOC president Thomas Bach and Tokyo organisers have repeatedly said they expect the Olympics to open on schedule. Others have suggested the spreading virus could force cancellation, postponement or moving events to other cities.

During a scheduled executive board meeting yesterday, the IOC issued a statement expressing ‘‘full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, taking place from July 24 to August 9, 2020’’.

Bach then made the unusual move of stepping out from the first day of a two-day meeting at IOC headquarters in Lausanne to make a statement.

‘‘I would like to encourage all the athletes to continue their preparation for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 with great confidence and with full steam,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Kiwi light heavyweight boxer Jerome Pampellone is one step closer to the Olympics after beating Japan’s Ren Umemura via split decision in the first round of Asia/Oceania qualifying in Amman, Jordan, yesterday. The 23-year-old Aucklander is competing in the men’s 81kg category and the top five fighters from each weight division in qualifying will secure a place at the Olympics.

■ Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are reportedly under threat from the coronavirus outbreak, with fears growing that the event may be cancelled.

The Sun newspaper reported that the risk of the coronavirus in Europe had left plans for the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded service personnel, in ‘‘chaos’’. This year’s event is set to be held in Holland in May.