Japan has decided to stage this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without overseas spectators due to concern among the Japanese public about Covid-19, Kyodo news agency said on Tuesday, citing officials with knowledge of the matter. The Olympics, postponed by a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, are scheduled for July 23 to August 8 and the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5. The opening ceremony of the torch relay would also be held without spectators, Kyodo said. Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto had said she wanted a decision on whether to let in overseas spectators before the start of the torch relay on March 25. The survey showed 77 per cent of respondents were against allowing foreign fans to attend, versus 18 per cent in favour.

Source: The Star March 09, 2021 13:07 UTC