eFM News

Organizers of the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Olympics say the number of athletes allowed during the opening and closing ceremonies could be reduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The organizing committee on Monday said, "In order to ensure the safety and security of the athletes and simplify operations at the Tokyo 2020 Games, we believe it is necessary to reconsider the number of participants at the opening and closing ceremonies and how they will enter the stadium."

The statement was issued after the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the International Olympic Committee expects only 6,000 athletes, a little over half, to take part in the opening ceremony for the Summer Games on July 23.

Local Olympic officials said details regarding the ceremonies are still being worked out with the IOC.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu said earlier in the day that they remain committed to holding the Games as scheduled despite a recent surge in COVID-19.

Amid lingering doubts about whether the event will be able to open, Cabinet Minister Taro Kono said on Friday that "anything can happen" in regard to the Olympics, becoming the first to contradict the Japanese government's official position on the matter.