Reactions from Olympic Movement stakeholders to IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee joint statement

Organising Committees of the Olympic Games

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Following that decision, the International Paralympic Committee announced that the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have been postponed until 2021. “Postponing the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak is absolutely the right thing to do. The health and well-being of human life must always be our number one priority and staging a sport event of any kind during this pandemic is simply not possible”, said IPC President, Andrew Parsons, on a statement.

Paris 2024

Paris 2024 welcomes the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games

Everyone involved in the organisation of the Paris 2024 Games expresses their solidarity with Tokyo 2020

The joint decision by the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is proportional to the severity of the health crisis we are facing. It mirrors the need to rank human health and efforts to stop this virus spreading above any other consideration.

Paris 2024 commends the IOC and Japanese authorities: faced with an unprecedented and extremely complex situation, they chose the best possible scenario. Postponing the world’s largest sporting event is not an easy decision. The IOC and organisers took the time to consider all the options, in close cooperation with all the stakeholders and in accordance with the WHO’s recommendations. They listened to the sporting world’s concerns. Deferring the Tokyo Games will provide the athletes with optimal conditions to prepare and compete in them.

As the organizers of the Paris 2024 Games, the organizing committee, the sporting movement in France - CNOSF, CPSF - and public stakeholders – Paris city council, Greater Paris Metropolis, Seine-Saint-Denis departmental authorities, Ile-de-France Region, the French government, SOLIDEO and all the host authorities - we salute the spirit of responsibility and adaptation demonstrated by Tokyo 2020 in this unprecedented event. Their example will make us stronger and fitter to deal with the contingencies of our time.

With solidarity, we will stand alongside the Japanese Organising Committee to provide our full support as it takes on the new organisational challenge.

The Games are a huge brotherly and sisterly festivity. When the circumstances are right, we will be glad to see every nation gather again around Olympic and Paralympic values and celebrate sport.

Continental Organisations

European Olympic Committees

EOC statement in support of IOC decision on Tokyo 2020

The European Olympic Committees (EOC) fully supports today’s joint decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese authorities to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021.

The decision was made in the best interests of the athletes, their entourages, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the entire Olympic Movement. With this decision, the IOC has proven that it is responsible and competent to face such troubled circumstances.

We are confident that the IOC will offer all the support needed to protect the NOCs from any financial consequences with regard to accommodation, training camps, ticketing, etc., while ensuring that the athletes have the best possible conditions to prepare for the Games in 2021.

The solidarity of the Olympic Movement will be strengthened by this decision and allows us all to focus on dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the best possible way.

What is important now is that the world comes together to get over this crisis. As President Bach stated, “We wish that the Olympic flame will be a light at the end of this tunnel”, therefore, we will make every possible effort to overcome this challenge united.

Association of National Olympic Committees

Acting ANOC president statement on postponement of Tokyo 2020

Following the joint-decision from the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to postpone Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell issued the following statement:

On behalf of the National Olympic Committees (NOC) family, ANOC expresses its full support to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee for their joint-decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ANOC recognises that this is a very complex situation that has required consultation with many different Olympic stakeholders. However, as the IOC and Tokyo 2020 have made clear with this decision, the health of the athletes and all Olympic stakeholders is the number one priority and surpasses all other considerations.

ANOC welcomes the certainty this decision provides athletes and NOCs who can now plan with the knowledge that the Games will not take place this year but not later than summer 2021. As the leaders of the IOC and Tokyo 2020 commented, the Olympic Games will now serve as a “beacon of hope” for us all to look forward to with optimism as we aim to emerge from these challenging times stronger than ever.

With the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly accelerating around the world, it is very important that all Olympic stakeholders continue to follow the guidance and advice provided by the World Health Organisation and their respective national health authorities.

ANOC offers its deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by COVID-19 and will continue to offer support to NOCs during these challenging times.

Olympic Council of Asia

Statement by Olympic Council of Asia Director General Mr Husain Al-Musallam

Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 24, 2020: The Olympic Council of Asia would like to express its total support for the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games until next year.

The OCA appreciates that this must have been an extremely difficult decision to make, but the rapidly deteriorating situation around the world due to COVID-19 has made this postponement a necessity. The health and wellbeing of athletes and all Olympic stakeholders must be the top priority.

The IOC, along with Japanese authorities, have tried to delay this decision as long as possible in the hope that the situation might improve in the coming weeks and months but, sadly, this has not been the case. Now is the time for the Olympic sports movement around the world to show unity and solidarity and to work as one team in preparing for a brighter future.

At this time, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Organising Committee of Tokyo 2020 for all the work, planning and preparation they have put in over a number of years – only for this completely unforeseen pandemic to intervene and change the course of Olympic history. We know Japan will recover from this setback and put on an even greater show to mark the coming together of humanity after finally defeating this virus.

We would also like to send our gratitude and appreciation to the athletes of Asia for all their efforts in qualifying – or attempting to qualify – for the Olympic Games. Although you must be disappointed at this time, the dream is not over. The Olympic Games will come back stronger and with even more passion – and so will you. The OCA has always championed the interests of the athletes and it did its best to ensure that the preparations of the Asian Athletes were not affected when this pandemic was at its peak in Asia. The OCA will continue to create the best possible environment for our athletes to train and participate in the Olympic Games which is an amalgamation of human spirit, culture and sports.

Our National Olympic Committees have worked tremendously hard behind the scenes in preparing the best conditions possible for their athletes. You have followed every guideline and met every deadline in guaranteeing a smooth build-up not only for your athletes and officials but also for the Organising Committee in Tokyo. The athletes and organisers will need you again and rely on you to bring together all aspects of management and operations in the future.

The OCA also commends the efforts of our International/Asian sport federations, for the way you have gone about amending your qualification schedules in an effort to be fair to all athletes from all corners of Asia. This has been a near-impossible task in recent weeks due to the ever-changing picture of the pandemic around the world and this postponement will now give you time to reassess the situation and, hopefully, make new and concrete plans.

Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa

ANOCA welcomes the wise decision taken in the interest of the athletes, sports communities and general public. The IOC, through its President, has once again demonstrated its great sense of social and humanitarian responsibility by taking the joint decision with the highest Japanese authorities to postpone the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The African NOCs have every confidence in Mr. Thomas Bach, who, we should recall, has been highly cooperative and who initiated a consultation of all the parties involved in world sport. This has led to this productive decision to postpone the Games in light of the dramatic situation the whole world is experiencing with regard to this pandemic that we hope will find a positive end soon.

ANOCA, through its President and Executive Committee, as well as its entire sports and Olympic community, is proud that, as the IOC leadership and the Japanese authorities have recognized, the Olympic Games in Tokyo could be a sign of hope for the world in these difficult times and that the Olympic flame could symbolize the light at the end of the tunnel for many. We appreciate and value the decision to leave the Olympic flame in Japan and the agreement for the name of the Games to remain as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

To conclude, ANOCA calls on all the NOCs and the various parties in the African Olympic Movement to come together and show the ancestral solidarity that prevails between us, with the International Olympic Committee and with our President, Mr. Thomas Bach. 

All arrangements will be made as soon as possible in order to resume the Olympic Solidarity programs, and in particular, those relating to athletes and to their preparations to ensure the best participation in the next Olympic Games. 

To all those whose families and friends have been affected, we offer our thoughts and great compassion. 

May God protect us and give us the strength to serve our countries and our continent.

Mustapha Berraf

ANOCA President

IOC Member

Panam Sports

Given the current situation that the world is unfortunately facing with the Coronavirus pandemic that, according to the World Health Organization, is rapidly accelerating in both the number of cases and deaths throughout the world, the Panam Sports Executive Committee representing the 41 member nations of the Americas agreed on the following points in a video conference this afternoon:

a) Complete support for the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee and the Government and Sports authorities of Japan regarding the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021.

b) Above all else, the priority of Panam Sports will always be the health and well-being of our athletes.

c) We are aware of the serious problems that the Coronavirus is causing for all athletes and that it has not allowed them to train at the level that they are accustomed to. This affects both those who were still seeking to qualify for the Olympic Games as well as those who had already secured their place and dreamed of representing their country with the best preparation possible.

d) We call on all of the National Olympic Committees of the Americas, their leaders, coaches and, of course, their athletes to responsibly follow all the safety and health protocols of their respective countries’ authorities and of the World Health Organization in the face of this pandemic, so that we avoid the spread of the Coronavirus.

e) Panam Sports will maintain all of its aid programs for athletes, coaches and National Olympic Committees.

f) Once the new dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are defined, Panam Sports will work together with the IOC, the International Federations, the NOCs and the athletes to be able to adjust their schedules for the competitions that follow, in particular the Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021 that were scheduled between June 5-20.

Panam Sports hopes that this unfortunate pandemic will begin to diminish worldwide as the days go by and we can soon return to our normal activities, and wants to convey its full commitment to the entire Pan American family in the face of these circumstances as well as our unconditional support to our athletes in this difficult time we are all experiencing.

Association of Summer Olympic International Federations

ASOIF statement on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) fully supports the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games to next year. We are working closely with the IOC and the International Federations to assess the global sports calendar and select the best dates in 2021 to stage the Tokyo Olympic Games.

ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “Postponing the Tokyo Olympic Games is not only the right decision, but the only one which could be taken in view of the ongoing, massive global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone’s health is most important now. ASOIF and its member federations will do everything within their power to support the complex implementation of this decision and deliver a successful Tokyo Olympic Games for everyone worldwide next year.”

ASOIF is also working with its member federations to help them address the financial implications resulting from the Games postponement and their events affected by COVID-19.

National Olympic Committees

British Olympic Committee

Joint BOA, BPA and UK Sport Statement

The British Olympic Association (BOA), British Paralympic Association (BPA) and UK Sport welcome the news of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Chief Executive of the BOA, Andy Anson, said: “It is with profound sadness that we accept the postponement, but in all consciousness it is the only decision we can support, in light of the devastating impact COVID-19 is having on our nation, our communities and our families.

“Alongside UK Sport and the BPA, we have consulted with the National Governing Bodies of summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and with athlete representative groups, including our Athletes’ Commissions and the British Athletes’ Commission. It is with their input and support that we have a unanimous view that the impact of COVID-19 on athletes’ training and preparation means their regimes are now compromised irreparably. It is time for them to stop thinking about Tokyo 2020 for now and be home and safe with their families.

“It would have been unthinkable for us to continue to prepare for an Olympic Games at a time the nation and the world no less is enduring great hardship. A postponement is the right decision.

“We have incredible sympathy for the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and indeed our colleagues at the IOC, who are working tirelessly to seek a positive outcome to this difficult scenario. The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period.”

Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport said, “We welcome today’s decision from the IOC, IPC and Japan that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be postponed. Given the unprecedented global challenge we face, today’s news means that athletes, their coaches and support staff can now fully focus on what really matters at this terribly difficult time, keeping themselves and their families safe.

“We are working closely with government to ensure we can effectively support sports and their athletes through this distressing period. I’d like to take the opportunity to reassure sports that our guidance from last week remains in place that we will not seek to recover any financial performance investment or Athlete Performance Awards due to disruption caused by COVID-19. We also realise that today’s decision has significant financial implications for our high performance system and we are working hard to identify the wide ranging impacts and scenarios and are in close contact with government to establish how best to support our summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes to be ready for the Games when they do take place.

“I’d like to thank all our athletes who are playing a role in so many different ways in these challenging times, from supporting their local communities to inspiring us to stay active in our own homes. I’d also like to reassure the public that whilst the games are postponed, we strongly believe the power of sport will inspire the nation again.”

Mike Sharrock, CEO of the BPA, added: “The British Paralympic Association fully supports the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Stemming this global public health crisis and doing everything possible to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people should clearly take priority in these unprecedented times. 

“We welcome the clarity this now gives Paralympic athletes throughout the world who have had their training and qualification plans severely disrupted but also recognise it will still be a deeply unsettling time for athletes who have worked for years focussed on delivering their best possible performance in Tokyo this summer.

“The British Paralympic Association is already implementing contingency plans to ensure ParalympicGB athletes have everything in place to be best prepared for the Games when they are staged in 2021.

“We recognise that there are a huge range of factors to be considered when looking to postpone an event at this scale and we acknowledge the scale of the challenge for our friends at the Tokyo organising committee, the IOC and IPC in addressing these.

“Now is the time for us all to work together to overcome this global threat. Sport has a unique power to inspire and bring people together and we are certain that the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games can be that beacon of hope for the whole world to focus on to show what the human spirit can achieve.”

We wish to state that this decision – to postpone the Games – should in no way be a reflection on the excellent organisation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games by the IOC, the Tokyo Organising Committee and the Government of Japan.

Our thoughts remain with the families and individuals affected by COVID-19, as well as the front-line workers – including many health care professionals from the UK sports’ network – who are working to keep our communities safe and well.

We also sympathise with the many hundreds of athletes, both in the UK and globally, whose careers and personal ambitions are being impacted after many years of hard work and training.

We remain committed to taking our Olympic and Paralympic athletes to Tokyo for the next edition of the summer Games, at the appropriate time, in the hope that it will be a celebration of the world re-emerging from this unprecedented time.

Canadian Olympic Committee

COC and CPC thank IOC for its decision to postpone Games to 2021

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) issued the following statement on Tuesday in reaction to the conclusion made by International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, and Japanese Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo, that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020:

The COC and CPC would like to thank President Thomas Bach, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee for making this decision and upholding its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and the world community. We also renew our commitment to work with the IOC, IPC and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee and offer them our full support in helping navigate all the complexities that rescheduling the Games will bring.

With this postponement, the IOC has given Tokyo hopefuls worldwide the clarity they need about the immediate future, so we can all concentrate on our collective health and wellbeing and take all necessary steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

We are confident that when the time comes, the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee will deliver a world-class Games that celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic values and unites and inspires the world. The Olympic and Paralympic Games have long been a symbol of hope and Tokyo 2020 will be a celebration of all that we now seek to overcome. There may be no better way to move on from this most difficult time than seeing the world brought together through sport the way only a Games can. 

We are incredibly proud of the leadership and resilience that our athletes, National Sport Organizations and the Canadian sport community have demonstrated in these unprecedented times. While postponement comes with its own set of challenges, Team Canada will rise to the challenge to showcase our very best on the international stage.

Australian Olympic Committee

AOC welcomes postponed Tokyo Olympic Games

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has welcomed the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese Government and the Tokyo Olympic Games Organising Committee (TOCOG) to postpone the Tokyo Olympic Games until next year.

The AOC recognises that the Games’ organisers have an enormous task ahead of them to move the Tokyo Olympics to next year but have no doubt that Japan will put on a great Olympic Games.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll says it’s a challenging moment in history during tragic times globally, but athletes and sports now have absolute clarity that enables them to focus on a Games in 2021.

“The IOC has received fresh advice from the World Health Organisation. The pandemic is accelerating, and this decision recognises that. 

“As President Bach has noted, “Human lives take precedence over everything, including the staging of the Games.”

“The Games have never been postponed previously. But I have no doubt that when the world moves past these very difficult times, the Tokyo Olympic Games will provide an opportunity for the world to reconnect in a spirit of unity and hope. Japan is up to the task and they will do a great job.

“In the meantime, we also will work through the implications of the postponement with all our member sports, their athletes and our partners so we can deliver an Australian Olympic Team to Tokyo next year who will make Australians proud. 

“Many Australians are trying to cope with vast challenges to their health and their livelihoods. We desperately hope that we can all meet these challenges and that our Australian athletes attending the Games in 2021 can contribute to restoring hope and national spirit,” Mr Carroll said.

“Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman praised the response of Australia’s Olympians and aspiring athletes. 

“We know that there has been great relief and acceptance from our athletes with the news from the IOC and Japan. Our athletes have been magnificent working their way through some very difficult times during recent weeks.

“Their world, as athletes and as members of the Australian community, has been turned on its head.

“All along, they have been conscious of the plight of their peers around the globe and the reality here in the Australian community, as we live through these unprecedented events. 

“We will continue to communicate with athletes and sports to provide further clarity around the critical issues.

“We understand that those athletes and teams who have been qualified will not be required to re-qualify. That will give the athletes some comfort – but we will await further details on that process.

“Our key message at the moment though is to stay safe and keep those around you safe. There are some tough times ahead but at least we now know we have a new goal and the planning will start straight away.” 

The AOC is implementing a range of initiatives to promote athlete health and well-being, providing regular communication with information and resources to help them manage. 

Foundations

World Anti-Doping Agency

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) supports the sensible decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games until next year.

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “The health and safety of the athletes remains the number-one priority for WADA and the anti-doping community, and it is clear that the correct decision has been taken in this challenging and unprecedented situation. As we all come to terms with the impact of this pandemic, it is clear that there are a number of challenges being faced related to the testing of athletes at this time. We will continue to monitor that situation to mitigate the effect of any interruptions to the program.”

As outlined in recent days, WADA is working closely with Anti-Doping Organizations, athletes and other stakeholders to ensure the integrity of the global anti-doping program is maintained as far as possible during this time and to ensure that the system returns to full power as quickly and effectively as possible once this crisis has abated. With an eye on 2021, WADA looks forward to collaborating with the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee, the local organizing committee and others to plan activities related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including pre-Games testing, education, the Independent Observer program and athlete outreach, which were in place for the 2020 Games that will now also be postponed.  

International Federations

International Canoe Federation

ICF endorses decision to postpone Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics

The International Canoe Federation has welcomed the decision of the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Japanese Government to postpone this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The ICF said while it was a tough decision to make for all involved, it was the right decision and the best outcome for the athletes.

“We congratulate the IOC, the Japanese Government and Tokyo 2020 organisers for making this brave but essential decision,” ICF President, Jose Perurena, said.

“It was right for everyone involved to give every possible chance for the Olympics and the Paralympics to proceed this year. Moving an event like the Olympics is an enormous task and should only be done if completely unavoidable.

“The worldwide spread of the coronavirus has made today’s decision unavoidable. We congratulate all involved for putting the health and safety of everyone in the Olympic family, and the international community, first.

“The ICF is ready to work with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 organisers to ensure the transition to a new date can happen as smoothly as possible. We are confident that the Games will still be an incredible success, no matter when they take place.”

Mr Perurena said the coronavirus had already caused enormous disruption to the 2020 canoeing season, and had caused problems for athletes still trying to qualify for the Games. He said many athletes all over the world were unable to train on water.

Mr Perurena said the ICF would work quickly to put into play its contingency plans that had been drawn up in the event of the Olympics and Paralympics being postponed. This will involve further discussions with the IOC about possible new dates for the Games.

But he urged patience from the canoeing family, as the ongoing spread of the virus would continue to pose problems for event organisers and athletes.

World Archery

World Archery confirms support for delay of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Games will be delayed beyond 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee released a joint press release on 24 March, confirming that the Games will be postponed due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. The release details that the delay will last no later than summer 2021.

World Archery president Prof Dr Ugur Erdener has issued the following statement of support:

“We commend the conscientious and brave decision taken by Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee to delay this summer’s Games in the face of an unprecedented challenge to humanity.”

“World Archery appreciates the transparent and open dialogue initiated by both parties and enters this period confident that when the Olympic and Paralympic Games are held in Japan they will be a success.”

“This is not an easy situation, especially for the athletes who had been training hard for Tokyo 2020. I hope that everyone understands why this decision has been made and I urge archers around the world to retain hope and reset for this new timetable.”

“Because, at the end of this difficult period, the Olympics and Paralympics will stand as a celebration of our resilience, our strength and our international community.”

The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will have a wide impact on sport, including the qualification procedures for the Games themselves and the international calendars in 2020 and 2021.

World Archery will now take part in discussions with Tokyo 2020, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. The outcomes of those dialogues will be made public when appropriate.

It is hoped that the current public health situation will improve quickly so that all international sport can recommence.

World Rugby

World Rugby Statement on postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

World Rugby supports the prudent and necessary decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to postpone the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The health and safety of the athletes, fans, and everyone involved is our shared priority and responsibility and we believe the right decision has been taken in these very difficult and unprecedented circumstances.

We look forward to working closely together in a spirit of partnership with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and all other stakeholders towards the rescheduling of the Games and our belief from the outstanding Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, is that the hosts will come out of this adversity stronger and more committed than ever before to deliver an exceptional Games.

International Gymnastic Federation

FIG statement on postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The International Gymnastics Federation welcomes the decision announced today to reschedule the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo to a date beyond 2020 but no later than summer 2021. This decision will allow gymnasts to apprehend their preparation for the Olympic Games with more serenity.

“IOC President, Thomas Bach and Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe have made a very courageous decision. In this difficult situation, we must be united and supportive,” commented FIG President, Morinari Watanabe.

“By doing so, we are certain that the Tokyo Games will be, more than ever, the celebration of the excellence, solidarity and friendship around sport. We will do our utmost to make these Games historical,” he added.

The FIG reiterates that it will do everything necessary to adapt its events calendar to fit the new dates of the Olympic Games that shall be set later.

The postponement of the Olympic Games will also have several repercussions on the FIG rules, especially those of the Gymnastics disciplines. The FIG will take the time to assess all the implications resulting from this postponement and will carefully review what adjustments or modifications should be made. Athletes’ interest and safety will lie at the center at any decision.

The FIG will communicate any changes or adjustments made to the rules once duly approved.

International Tennis Federation

TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed until 2021 due to the global coronavirus outbreak, the IOC and organisers of Tokyo 2020 announced in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The Olympic Games had been due to begin on 24 July, with the tennis event scheduled to run from 25 July – 2 August and the Paralympic Tennis Event running from 25 August – 5 September, but will now take place “no later than Summer 2021”.

The decision was taken on Tuesday morning following a conference call between the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, and Prime Minister of Japan, Abe Shinzo.

In a joint statement, the IOC and organisers of Tokyo 2020 said: "The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating.

"On Monday, the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is 'accelerating'. There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour.

"In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC president and the prime minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community."

The ITF fully supports the decision to postpone the games until next year.

ITF president David Haggerty, said: “The global health situation continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace and we are faced with an unprecedented situation that calls for responsible leadership and making informed decisions. Whilst this is a bitter disappointment for all those who have been preparing and training hard, we all understand that the protection of human life, health and safety, comes first.

“The ITF supports this decision and will continue to collaborate fully with the IOC and the IPC going forward to 2021. We look forward to seeing all athletes, volunteers and fans when it is safe for us to meet and participate at our best at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.”

International Triathlon Union

Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, postponed to 2021

The International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee have just announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021. “In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community”, said the IOC.

“We fully support this decision, and the whole World Triathlon staff is now working in close cooperation with the IOC, the IPC, the Tokyo Organising Committee and all the other stakeholders to help find the best dates for the Games to take place, as well as trying to find answers to all the questions raised by this difficult situation”, said World Triathlon President and IOC member, Marisol Casado.

“We understand that there are lots of questions unanswered at the moment, and we are working in all scenarios to give answers to all of them, and communicate all the different scenarios and solutions to all parties as soon as we can”, she said.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Abe Shinzo, held a conference call this morning to discuss the constantly changing environment with regard to COVID-19 and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. They were joined by Mori Yoshiro, the President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee; the Olympic Minister, Hashimoto Seiko; the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko; the Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, John Coates; IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper; and the IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, Christophe Dubi.

President Bach and Prime Minister Abe expressed their shared concern about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and what it is doing to people’s lives and the significant impact it is having on global athletes’ preparations for the Games. In a very friendly and constructive meeting, the two leaders praised the work of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and noted the great progress being made in Japan to fight against COVID-19.

The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating. Yesterday, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is “accelerating”. There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour.

In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.

The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

World Sailing

World Sailing response to joint IOC and Tokyo 2020 statement

Today [24 March 2020] the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee issued a joint statement announcing the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Available on the IOC website here, the statement read, "In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community."

World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, supports the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee decision to ensure the health and well-being of athletes, fans and support personnel worldwide.

President Kim Andersen and the World Sailing Executive Office are in direct communication with the IOC Sports Department. The IOC are engaging with World Sailing to develop the necessary plans in full partnership and to ensure full transparency with a focus on information for World Sailing and the athletes.

In the short term, World Sailing will not hold Olympic qualification events for Africa, Asia or Europe. World Sailing is working with the IOC on an update to the qualification system where our recommendation will be to look at hosting qualifications events in late 2020 or early 2021.

World Sailing will now work with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 on timing of the postponed Olympic Games, necessary adaptations to Games delivery plans and Olympic qualification systems.

Following the IOC decision, World Sailing is working closely with the Japanese Sailing Federation, the Organising Committee of the 2020 Hempel World Cup Series Final, and will communicate decisions on the 2021 event calendar shortly.

International Shooting Sport Federation

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games postponed

The International Olympic Committee has announced the decision to postpone the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which were scheduled to be held from 24th July to 9th August 2020.

The impracticality of holding the Games became apparent due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19. Across all Nations we are feeling the effects of the virus epidemic. With some NOC's already declaring their non-participation in the Games and many international qualifying competitions also being cancelled, athletes from many nations cannot train and perform even at local level due to widespread restrictions and lockdowns.

The IOC decision is timely in response to the latest worldwide developments and addresses concerns raised by athlete representation groups.

The new dates for the Games are not yet known but they will be unlikely to take place in 2020, and more probably summer 2021.

We will immediately inform the shooting community of subsequent decisions as they are announced.

International Federation of Sport Climbing

IFSC holds teleconference with board, officials, staff and member federations, supports IOC decision

The International Federation of Sport Climbing held a teleconference today at 1:00 pm (UTC+1:00), welcoming many of its National Federations, along with officials and members of the IFSC Executive Board and IFSC Staff.

The following nations were represented in the audience: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United States of America and Venezuela. In total, 69 participants attended the meeting.

The IFSC President Marco Scolaris shared a message of hope and unity:

“I am only the president of an international sport federation and I cannot set rules. But I can give you all a recommendation, a strong recommendation, which is also an appeal: stay at home. Rocks and walls won’t move, the virus does. Stay at home. This is the only way to contain the pandemic, to protect yourselves and to protect others. We are going through this nightmare together, we’ll get out of it together.”

The meeting took place while the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee were releasing a joint statement, making the postponement of the Olympic Games to “not later than the summer 2021” official.

The IFSC President Marco Scolaris commented:

“Day after day, it became clear that the postponement of the games was the only way to guarantee a fair and collective participation to Tokyo 2020. The IFSC welcomes and supports the decision taken by the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese government and all the authorities involved. The outbreak of the covid-19 coronavirus forced all of us to take unprecedented measures to contain the pandemic, ultimately this one. Right now, all our efforts have to be focused on the end of this pandemic. There will be time for competing, there will be time for sports. Now the world is ill, but one day we will celebrate its recovery with our world cups and championships. We will climb the world again!”

World Skate

Although expected due to the unusual and concerning outspread of COVID-19 pandemic during the last few weeks, news has just been released: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be rescheduled.

World Skate President, Sabatino Aracu: "Of course, we fully agree with the decision made by the IOC and Japanese authorities. It was not an easy choice, as we are talking about maybe the most awaited and valuable sport event of the year. This is why we appreciate such a brave and well-thought-out measure, that shows a full commitment to the safeguarding of athletes' health. We thank IOC President Thomas Bach who has carried on with his mandate by following all the necessary and unavoidable steps before making this announcement. Stay safe and keep following the hope of the Olympic Flame."

World Baseball Softball Confederation

President Fraccari said baseball-softball’s anticipated Olympic comeback will have to wait a short while longer but when the ‘Tokyo 2020’ Games do get underway in 2021, they will become the symbol of our global recovery and solidarity, and be one of the greatest worldwide celebrations and most anticipated moments in the history of sport.

Dear WSBC Family,

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Japan Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, made the difficult decision today to postpone the start of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 until no later than the summer of 2021.

This decision, taken due to the rapid acceleration of the COVID-19 pandemic, will not have been taken lightly. But we find ourselves in the midst of a global and unprecedented public health crisis. The health and safety of athletes, officials, spectators and the international community must always remain our top priority.

Today, the WBSC Executive Board met online to discuss the latest developments and will continue meeting bi-weekly for briefings, leveraging the strength of the WBSC community in the process.

The WBSC stands in solidarity with the Olympic Movement and Japan during this challenging time, and will remain fully flexible about its own events, including Olympic qualifiers, to accommodate the rescheduling of the Tokyo 2020 Games. While the six teams have been decided for Olympic softball, this postponement also allows more time to complete a fair Olympic qualification process for baseball, providing an equal opportunity for the teams and their players.

On behalf of the WBSC, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the people of Japan. But we have no doubt that Japan, one of the greatest baseball-softball nations, has the resilience and grit to come back stronger and put on a memorable sporting spectacle in 2021.

The WBSC also stands in unison with governments and public health officials around the world who are working tirelessly to contain the spread of COVID-19. We applaud the international community’s response, which has already saved countless lives, and will continue to do so in the months ahead.

And we therefore continue to remind our global baseball-softball family to follow the guidelines set out by their respective governments, public health authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the appropriate protective measures to take.

We are certain that together, we will all overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. And when the ‘Tokyo 2020’ Games do get underway in 2021, they will become the symbol of our global recovery and solidarity, and be one of the greatest worldwide celebrations and most anticipated moments in the history of sport.

Baseball-softball’s anticipated Olympic comeback will have to wait a short while longer. But I have no doubt that when the Tokyo 2020 Games take place, our entire global family will rejoice as we make our long-awaited and spectacular return on the greatest sporting stage of all.  

Until then, keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and healthy.

Riccardo Fraccari

WBSC President

International Surfing Association

ISA fully supports IOC and Tokyo 2020 decision to postpone Olympic Games

A statement on behalf of ISA President, Fernando Aguerre:

“The ISA fully supports the joint decision by the IOC Executive Board and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to postpone the Olympic Games. There is no question for me that this is a wise decision, which puts the health and well-being of every single athlete, fan, member of staff and the general public as first priority.

“As surfers, we are used to being flexible, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Practicing our sport in the ocean, in a natural environment, we are used to changing conditions in life. Now is the time for all of us to paddle harder for this wave, and to look ahead with purpose and conviction. Together we will beat this virus, and we will celebrate that victory with the best Olympic Games ever, in 2021.

“We are committed to working with our partners in Tokyo and at the IOC to finding sensible and responsible solutions to any situation that might come. We remain convinced that with our collective efforts and determination, the Tokyo Olympic Games – and especially Olympic Surfing – will go on, in due time, to give the world great reasons to celebrate.”

Fernando Aguerre

President, International Surfing Association

Badminton World Federation

BWF media statement on Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games postponement

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many unforeseen challenges.

Today, we stand in solidarity with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in welcoming the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

BWF fully supports the decision made yesterday by IOC President Thomas Bach, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, and the Tokyo Organising Committee (TOCOG) to “reschedule the Games to a date beyond 2020 but no later than summer 2021”.

As we have learnt in recent months, balancing the many necessary considerations for the whole of sport has been a complex exercise, so we are supportive of how difficult this decision would have been for the IOC and TOCOG.

We must now allow all parties to work toward good, sensible and thorough conclusions for the benefit of all involved.

We are still at this point left with some uncertainty on new dates for the Games but we ask for patience from the entire badminton community to allow the BWF, in collaboration and consensus with the IOC, IPC and TOCOG, to gain a better understanding of what the next 12 months will look like.

For our athletes, we will review any impacts on the Olympic and Paralympic qualification system to ensure a fair solution is found to qualify players for the postponed Games.

BWF, in the short-term, is also looking into the possibility of freezing World Rankings until international tournaments start again. However, we are still working on the technical solution to ensure the freezing and eventual un-freezing of World Rankings works fairly for all players and we will announce this shortly.

Right now, our immediate thoughts are with everyone affected by this global pandemic. From the start, the health, safety and wellbeing of all athletes, their entourage, officials and the greater badminton fraternity have been our No.1 priority.

At the same time, we have strong considerations to protect the key structures of our sport that will ensure it survives in these volatile and uncertain times. We appreciate that an important part of this is the livelihood of our international badminton players in the current situation where very few tournaments will be played over the coming months.

BWF will continue to monitor all developments regarding COVID-19, and in line with advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), various health experts, IOC and IPC, will make the best choices in the interests of international players and the general badminton community.

We also fully support the IOC, IPC and TOCOG in these times and will contribute all we can to making the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics the greatest in history.

International Hockey Federation

Tokyo 2020: Statement by FIH CEO Thierry Weil

"On behalf of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), I would like to thank and express our full support to the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the decision taken to postpone the Olympics to next year.

This decision brings clarity to the global hockey community and I’m sure it is supported by all athletes who are currently facing important challenges to train at this unprecedented time. The focus today is on staying at home to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The message of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch that “Hope Lights Our Way” could not be more pertinent at this time.

We look forward to outstanding Olympic Games in Tokyo next year!"