Tokyo considering scaled down version for 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The fate of next year's Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Olympics depends on Japan's handling of COVID-19.

According to Reuters, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike recognises that changes to the Games operational plan may be necessary in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already forced the postpone of this summer’s event until 2021.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced back in March 2020 that the postponed Tokyo Olympics will now officially open on 23rd July 2021 - 364 days later than planned - in order to give organisers the time needed to prepare after the disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Confirmed by the IOC following a conference call between its President, Thomas Bach, and the international sports federations in March, the choice of the new dates - 23rd July to 8th August - was backed unanimously. The Paralympic Games will follow between 24th August and 5th September.

The changes to the Tokyo Games could include a reduction in the number of spectators and a scaling back of the opening and closing ceremonies of both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Japan Times is reporting that the provision of medical services, including conducting polymerase chain reaction tests on athletes, staff and spectators, and restrictions on outings from the athletes village are being considered as possible measures against the virus.

Koike advised “holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games calls for sympathy and understanding of Tokyoites and the Japanese people.

“For that, we need to rationalise what needs to be rationalised and simplify what needs to be simplified.”

There have been 17,039 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan and 917 deaths, according to the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) with Tokyo having recorded 5,347 confirmed cases and 307 deaths.

Since the postponement of the Olympics was announced, officials have said there is no plan to delay the Games again.

Koike also told CNN "we have to identify the specifics of the virus, develop the curing medicine, improve the testing facilities.

"But we cannot afford to let the battle against the Coronavirus last for 10 or 20 years. The global community must have a clear goal to win over the Coronavirus and compete for solutions by making a safe society and sharing successful examples (of battling the virus).

"I wish the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as (a sign) of humanity's victory over the Coronavirus."