2021 Olympics: Japan determined to host Tokyo Games despite cancellation rumors

The Times of London, quoting an unnamed senior official in the ruling coalition, on Friday reported that Japanese authorities had privately concluded that the Olympics could not proceed due to the ongoing pandemic. CNN did not independently verify this report, which Tokyo officials quickly refuted.

In a statement, Tokyo 2020 organizers said Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had expressed his determination to host the Games to them, and that meetings were underway to ensure they could move forward while putting implementing comprehensive anti-infectious countermeasures and other pandemic precautions.

“We are determined to work closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the IOC to organize a safe and secure Olympic Games,” said Suga.

Other Olympic officials were also quick to deny the Times’ claims.

“Unfortunately, I have to respond to unfounded rumors that the Tokyo Games will be canceled, rumors that only create more anxiety for our sports athletes,” Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll said on Friday. “The Tokyo Games are on. The flames will be lit on July 23, 2021. This has just been confirmed again by the Japanese Prime Minister this afternoon.”

In a Twitter thread, Canadian Olympic leader David Shoemaker said his team “was not aware of any decisions made by the Japanese government, as reported.”

“The Canadian Olympic Committee is convinced that the Games can be staged safely and successfully given what has been learned in sport over the past few months and the focus that the IOC and the Organizing Committee of Tokyo 2020 have put on Covid-19 countermeasures, ”he said. “We continue to prepare to participate in Tokyo 2020 with a focus on the health and safety of our athletes, their families and their communities.”