Tokyo Olympics to be held without overseas spectators

World

Published: 2021-03-20 13:19

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 01:24


Credit: OlympicsJapan2021
Credit: OlympicsJapan2021

The heads of the organizing bodies of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics decided Saturday that this summer's games will be staged without overseas spectators.

This came due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was made during a remote meeting involving five parties, including the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, just four months before the rescheduled Summer Games are set to open in Tokyo.

The Japanese organizing committee said in a statement it will refund overseas spectators who purchased tickets.

"Setting priorities like safety also means that you have to respect these priorities," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said as the talks opened.

"That means we will have to take difficult decisions that may need sacrifices from everybody."