KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — International spectators will not be allowed into Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games scheduled in July and August respectively, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympics and Paralympics Games tickets purchased from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee by spectators from overseas, will be refunded.
“We share the disappointment of all enthusiastic Olympic fans from around the world, and of course the families and friends of the athletes, who were planning to come to the Games.
“For this, I am truly sorry. We know that this is a great sacrifice for everybody. We have said from the very beginning of this pandemic that it will require sacrifices,” said IOC president Thomas Bach in a statement.
Earlier yesterday, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) were informed of the decision by the relevant parties in Japan regarding overseas spectators at both Games this summer.
Bach said the decision was made for the safety of the participants as well as the Japanese people and was fully respected by the IOC and the IPC.
“I know that our Japanese partners and friends did not reach this conclusion lightly. Together with them, the IOC’s top priority was, is, and remains to organise safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everyone,” he added.
The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23.
— Bernama
