Is The Tokyo Olympics Pushing Through? Here's Everything You Need to Know
The Tokyo Olympics will finally push through this year, but arenas will not be as noisy as in previous years for this much-awaited mega-event. Sports fans from other parts of the world, this time around, are barred from physically attending the games.
With only a few months left before the Olympic cauldron is officially lit, some provisions are still being considered by its organisers. In this article, we compile the things you need to know about this year’s biggest sports affair.
What Happened to 2020 Olympics
During the early months of 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the annual sports event will be moved to a later date due to the risks brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposal was made by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. “I have made a proposal [of postponing the event] for a year. President Bach said he agreed to it 100 per cent. We will hold the Olympics by summer 2021”.
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The Olympics Retain 2020 Branding
This year’s summer Olympics will not be called the “2021 Olympics.” The OIC together with the Tokyo organisers agreed that the 2020 Olympics branding will still be used for the upcoming sports fest—this means that the television ads, publication materials, souvenirs, and even medals will still bear the “Tokyo 2020” name and theme.
No Overseas Spectator
Sports fans from other parts of the globe are not expected to flock to the arenas in Tokyo. The Japanese government has decided to ban overseas spectators from attending the Olympics in its effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As of this post, Japan, a country with an estimated population count of 126.3 million, has already recorded 468,614 cases of COVID-19.
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Refunding Tickets
Organisers of the event expected to make US$15 billion from the Olympics but they are now in the process of refunding tickets from foreigners. The organisers are still deciding whether they will allow foreign spectators invited by corporate sponsors of the games.
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Where and When Can People Watch the Olympics
The Tokyo Olympics is set to happen from 23 July to 8 August 2021. The swimming and gymnastics competition will likely take the centre stage in the opening week, while the track and field sports will conclude the event.
The summer games will take place in 43 Olympic venues around Tokyo; fans who are not living in Japan may watch it through the live stream coverage of NBC.
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