With Coronavirus cases increasing in Japan, London has stepped up to host the 2020 Olympic games should Tokyo need to cancel.
A number of sporting events worldwide have had to be postponed, cancelled or relocated because of the Coronavirus outbreak.
With Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe closing down schools until April to avoid the spread of the disease, as well as high profile sports being held behind closed doors such as the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament and Davis Cup tennis, a shadow of doubt, has been cast on whether Japan will be able to host the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto has said that the Olympic games are still scheduled to go on as planned but Japan will be allowed to postpone the game until later this year should the need arise according to their contract with International Olympic Committee, as long as the games are held in 2020.
I a statement to parliament, Hashimoto said:
“We are doing all we can to ensure that the Games go ahead as planned.”
“The contract calls for the games to be held within 2020. That could be interpreted as allowing a postponement,”.
Shaun Bailey who is the Conservative party mayoral candidate in England stepped up to the plate and announced that London would be ready to host the games should Japan be unable to.
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“Given the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, I urge the Olympic Committee to seriously consider how London could stand ready to host the Olympics should the need arise,” Shaun Bailey said.
“We have the infrastructure and the experience, and if I am elected I will make sure London is ready to host the biggest sporting celebration again if we are called on in an hour of need.”
The offer by London has been met with hostility from Japan who see London trying to steal the Olympics and all the benefits that come with hosting it away from them.
