Japan and IOC under pressure to postpone Olympic Games

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - There is increasing pressure on Japan and the IOC to postpone the Olympic Games.

A growing number of swimmers and athletes have said they will not come if the Games are held this summer.

It is clear that the decision will rest with the Japanese and the International Olympic Committee, but without the stars from these two sports, the Olympic Games would lose their meaning. On the other hand, the Chinese are saying they support their neighbours.

“China’s position in this case is unchanged. We support Japan and, of course, we will respect any decision that is made. Whether the Games are organised this summer or postponed,” said the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The main problem for the Japanese in creating a new date is to secure venues for that new date. A plan needs to be created, and that cannot be done all at once. Therefore, the IOC has stated that it will take up to four weeks to make that decision.

“Whether the Games are postponed for a month, three months, or five months, we have to calculate everything that could happen. For example, we don't know if all the venues will be operational then, whether we will be able to use them due to other sporting events. We have to consider everything before we make any decision,” said the President of the Organizing Committee, Yoshiro Mori.

The Olympic Games are scheduled to open on July 24. The International Olympic Committee has rejected any possibility of cancellation, but we are getting closer to the decision to postpone the Games.