Tokyo Olympics ‘could be cancelled’ as COVID-19 cases surge in Japan

The Tokyo Olympics which are expected to start on Friday, 23 July could be cancelled on the 11th hour as COVID-19 cases surge in host country, Japan.

The Tokyo Games will be the first to take place under a city-wise State of Emergency. New daily COVID-19 cases in Japan have risen again to over 1,000, with more than 70 Games-related personnel testing positive since July 1, including three athletes in the Olympic Village.

TOKYO OLYMPICS COULD BE CANCELLED

Tokyo Olympics chief Toshiro Muto said it is impossible to “predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases” and discussions will “continue if there is a spike”.

Toshiro Muto, said he would keep an eye on infection numbers and hold discussions with organisers if necessary, when asked at a news conference if the Games might still be cancelled amid rising COVID-19 cases.

“We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises,” he said.

Five people have tested positive in the Olympic Village so far, heightening fears that the influx of thousands of athletes, officials and media will add to a spike in cases in Japan.

Two football players in the South African Tokyo Olympics football team tested positive for COVID-19 following their arrival at the Olympic Village.

Twenty-one members of the team contingent were named as close contacts on Monday, forcing them to miss two training sessions as they isolated in their rooms.

The team will face Japan in their opening game on Thursday. Coach David Notoane said he fears the lack of time to acclimatise in hot and steamy Tokyo could put his players at risk.

Additional reporting by Sky Sport News.