News of Emergency being declared in Tokyo has once again led to intense speculation over the postponed Olympics. The Summer Game are supposed to begin on July 23, 2021 but media and social media are agog with stories about the Olympics being dumped for good.
A few facts about the spike in Covid-19 cases in Japan and Tokyo specifically, need to be understood. Firstly, the numbers (see graph) are not what it is like in Europe or America today. For that matter, the Covid-19 cases are also nowhere near what cities and towns in India witnessed.
Yes, over 7,000 cases a day on January 7, 2021 in Japan was a cause for concern. Add to it the new strain from Britain and other parts of the world now worrying the world, the Emergency is justified.
This writer spoke to a few people connected with the Olympic Movement and what happens to the Tokyo Olympics. The unanimous view is that it is too early to speculate about cancellation. Another postponement of the Games is next to impossible.
As it is, the fresh dates a year later has led to huge a cost escalation in hosting the Games. Most of the burden is being shared by the host city. There are many Japanese citizens who have said in surveys they do not want the Olympics to take place.
However, at this stage, the world and its athletes are preparing for the Olympics. What will happen with less than 200 days to go to the Olympics is impossible to predict. Japan has battled many disasters in the past and hosting the Olympics is indeed a matter of pride.
By and large, the Covid-19 situation in Asia has improved. Yet, what the world is praying for is that the virus settles faster. Vaccinations are being worked upon the world over, and many countries have started giving the shots.
Tokyo and the International Olympic Committee has also talked of vaccine jabs for the athletes and the frontline workers who will be part of the Summer Games. Athletes are slogging and Olympics qualification events are on.
The world of sport is praying the Novel Corona virus and other fresh strains do not strain the sporting world. Time will tell what is going to pan out.
Mr. S. Kannan
Senior, Sports Journalist
