The coronavirus outbreak has not only slowed down the global economy but also has impacted the international sporting arena. With many high-profile sporting events like the Chinese Grand Prix and the World Athletics Indoor Championships already postponed or cancelled, question marks loom over the Tokyo Olympics 2020, which is scheduled to be held between July 24 and August 9.
Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto has said that the Tokyo 2020 Games could be postponed to later this year.
“Calls for the Games to be held within 2020”. (It) could be interpreted as allowing a postponement. We are doing all we can to ensure that the Games go ahead as planned,” Hashimoto said in response to a question in Japan’s parliament.
However, under the hosting agreement, IOC holds the rights to cancel the Games. IOC president Thomas Bach remains confident in regards to the event’s success.
CORONAVIRUS TOLL RISES IN JAPAN
According to Wednesday morning’s reports, the coronavirus cases in Japan has touched 1,000, which included 706 people from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is moored at Yokohama Port, near Tokyo. Twelve people have died so far, which includes six deaths from the vessel.
CORONAVIRUS FEARS GRIPS CRICKET
Meanwhile, the England cricket team has declared that they wouldn’t shake hands with Sri Lankan players and officials in their upcoming Sri Lanka tour. With cases rising in India this week, questions have also been raised on the organising of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled end of this month.
