Here’s why the Tokyo 2020 Olympics could possibly be ‘scrapped’

Originally scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 9, there remains a possibility that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be ‘scrapped.’ Let’s recap: After weeks of thorough deliberation, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach agreed to postpone the Games until Summer 2021.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be ‘scrapped’

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causing a global health crisis. This made the IOC face the overwhelming pressure to delay the Games. They announced the new dates scheduled from July 23 to August 8, 2021. However, if COVID-19 continues to remain a problem, they will have to discard the whole Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Olympics cannot face another delay.

Health experts have already cast doubt on whether the Games could happen next summer. Their reason being there won’t be a vaccine or effective drugs to treat COVID-19. When asked if they could move the Games to 2022, Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori said no.

“In that case, the Olympics will be scrapped.”

However, Mori persisted that he feels confident the rescheduled Games would go ahead.

“This Olympics would be much more valuable than any Olympics in the past if we could go ahead with it after winning this battle… We have to believe this. Otherwise, our hard work and efforts will not be rewarded.”

It will be difficult for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to push through without a vaccine

Japan’s medical association president Yoshitake Yokokura admitted that they will face trouble to hold the Games in 2021. Without vaccines or effective drugs being developed, it will be catastrophic if even only one person with COVID-19 went and attended the Games.

“I am not saying that Japan should or shouldn’t host the Olympics, but that it would be difficult to do so… If the infections are under control in Japan, it will still be difficult to hold the games unless the pandemic is over in the rest of the world.”

Olympics and Paralympics could merge to cut costs

In another statement, Mori said that the Olympics could merge with Paralympics which will run from August 24 to September 5, 2021. They could share opening and closing ceremonies to cut costs. Although this could happen, he has yet to ask the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee if they would agree to such a plan.

“Given that the situation has dramatically changed, we have to review key areas, including the ceremonies. It’s going to a considerable cut in costs and a big message of victory against the global crisis – but it’s not easy.”