“All our delivery partners, including the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the IOC and the CPI, are fully focused on hosting the Games this summer,” the statement said. “We hope that everyday life can return to normal as soon as possible and we will continue to make every effort to prepare for a safe and secure game.”
Speaking in parliament on Friday morning, Suga said the Games “will be a symbol of humanity that will surpass the new coronavirus and a chance to present the reconstruction of Japan from the devastating earthquake (2011) and tsunami to the world.”
“We are determined to work closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the IOC to conduct safe Olympics,” Suga said.
Other Olympic officials also quickly rejected claims made by the Times.
“Unfortunately, I have to address the unfounded rumors that the Tokyo Games will be canceled, rumors that only create more anxiety for athletes in our sports,” Australian Olympic Committee Director Matt Carroll told reporters on Friday. “The Tokyo Games are on. The flames will be lit on July 23, 2021. This has just been reconfirmed by the Japanese Prime Minister this afternoon.”
In a Twitter post, Canadian Olympic leader David Shoemaker said his team “did not know of any decision taken by the Japanese government, as reported.”
“The Canadian Olympic Committee is confident that the Games can be held safely and successfully, given what has been learned in the sport over the past few months and the emphasis the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee have placed on Covid countermeasures. -19 “, he said. “We continue our preparation to participate in Tokyo 2020, with a focus on the health and safety of our athletes, their families and their communities.”