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‘Tokyo Olympics 100% going ahead’, says Games chief


The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have a “100% possibility” of going ahead but may be held without spectators, said Games president Seiko Hashimoto.

The delayed Games will begin in 50 days on July 23 – with the tennis event scheduled to be held from July 24 until August 1.

Andy Murray and Monica Puig won the gold medals in men’s and women’s singles respectively at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100% that we will do this. The question right now is how are we going to have an even more safe and secure Games,” Hashimoto told BBC Sport.

“The Japanese people are feeling very insecure and at the same time probably feel some frustration at us talking about the Olympics and I think that is giving rise to more voices opposing having the Games in Tokyo.

“The biggest challenge will be how we can control and manage the flow of people. If an outbreak should happen during the Games times that amounts to a crisis or an emergency situation then I believe we must be prepared to have these Games without any spectators.

“We are trying to create as complete a bubble situation as possible so we can create a safe and secure space for people who come in from overseas as well as people who are in Japan, the residents and citizens of Japan.”

Japan is currently facing a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases – with 10 areas of the country in a state of emergency.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.