Japan may block international crowds for Olympics
Reports suggest Japanese govt will not allow international spectators but IOC is playing it down.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, News, Olympics
In what could be a major blow to the Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese government has reportedly decided to stage the Olympics and Paralympics without any overseas spectators.
The Kyodo news agency has reported the claims, but it has been played down by the International Olympic Committee, which said no decision on overseas spectators had yet been taken.
IOC president, Thomas Bach said in January, “Because our priority is to ensure a safe Olympic Games and we will do whatever is needed to do that. Everybody would love to have full-capacity stadiums and the roaring crowds. But if that is not possible we will respect our principles, safety is our first priority.”
Guardian reports a recent poll found that 77% of Japanese people did not want international visitors to attend the Games with 18% in favour.
The IOC executive board is meeting this week to discuss the latest plans for Tokyo.
Japan has recorded more than 441,200 Covid-19 cases, with the death toll at more than 8,300.
6 Responses
I don’t see this as a problem at all. The local crowd will create a fantastic and supportive atmosphere like they did for the Rugby World Cup
Seems like an obvious move, If any city can do a local-only Olympics it is Tokyo, 100mil people living within daytrip distance from the city via bullet train.
Certainly makes sense, why would they risk locals health with overseas spectators coming in, just go with the local crowds, it won’t be the same but at least there would be a crowd.
The last winter Olympics in Sth Korea had 80% domestic visitors with only 20% international so there could still be full stadiums
While I am a big supporter of the Olympics (was one place away from a support role at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics) having no ‘away’ supporters will certainly affect the athletes as well as the TV presentation. Obviously ‘piped in’ crowd noise may help but it is no replacement for true crowds.
Secondly the impact on athletes and support staff – lack of pre-Olympic preparation aside which will impact on the performance of individuals and teams – either traveling to/from their overseas bases and to/from Australia will be major issues to overcome.
You know these will be a flop if they go ahead , the idea in any type of sport especially the Olympics is atmosphere from the crowds ,it’ll be so odd ,and what of all the Australian athlete’s returning they’ll have to go into Quarantine ,and there are so many Australian’s still waiting to get home ,this will also add to the delay.