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Is Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2032? Truth behind cancellation reports on 'too difficult' to hold amid Covid-19

A senior member of the ruling coalition has suggested that the cancellation is bound to happen, according to reports

As the pandemic continues to impact lives across the globe, the Japanese government is reportedly planning to call off Tokyo Olympics. The news comes only after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reaffirmed their commitment to Tokyo Olympics Games commencing in July 2021. 

It is also being said that the focus is now on securing Games for the next available year, in 2032. Meanwhile, a senior member of the ruling coalition has suggested that the cancellation is bound to happen, according to The Times. The statement read, "No one wants to be the first to say so but the consensus is that it’s too difficult. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to happen."

No official confirmation

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison acknowledged the rumors and said he has "no official confirmation". He further added, "The situation in Japan, right now, in terms of the spread that’s occurred there more recently, is quite different to even when I was there in November."

"So I can understand that that's putting some real pressure and Prime Minister Suga, like I here, or any prime minister anywhere, has to put the health and safety of their populations first and what can be managed. We will watch that. I think it would be very disappointing for the Japanese people and, of course, for Prime Minister Suga and former Prime Minister Abe... if that were the case," Morrison said. 

Will Tokyo Olympics be held without spectators?

Reportedly, nearly 80 percent of people in Japan do not want the Olympics to be held as they fear an influx of athletes could trigger more Covid-19 cases. However, the game organizers are yet to respond to these reports. 

The majority of sports events of 2020 were held in the absence of an audience due to the circumstances caused by the pandemic. While an official report from the Japanese government is awaited about the Tokyo Olympics being canceled, Telegraph had previously reported that "International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound said the Games might have gone ahead but without spectators". 

He further added, "The question is, is this a 'must have' or 'nice to have'? It's nice to have spectators. But it's not a must have."

Will they really postpone it to 2032?

The reports surrounding one of the biggest sports event being allegedly canceled has gathered a lot of reaction on social media. While some seem upset about not being able to watch it, others have brushed the rumors off, demanding an official report. 

Reuters reporter Jack Tarrant tweeted, "Japanese gov't "clearly denies" The Times report suggesting #Olympics cancellation decision been made already: "No truth to report of possible Olympics cancellation" #Tokyo2020." Another tweeted, "Very sad news, if true. I suppose the Olympics is just too large and complicated to plan a "bubble" around it and the athletes. A shame. This means a lot to so many people." One wrote, "I think the probability of being able to do it is very low. If it is canceled, it will be the second cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics....sad."

Another added, "I know the no. of cases are still bad in tokyo but omg will they really postpone the olympics to 2032..."