Japanese towns are withdrawing their invitations to host international teams before the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in a growing public backlash against the government’s insistence that the summer Games will go ahead despite Japan’s worsening pandemic. According to Japanese media, at least 31 out of more than 500 towns have so far cancelled plans to host training camps and cultural events for Olympic teams. SponsoredIn normal times, local communities compete for the honour and excitement of welcoming such international visitors. Now, though, they fear that outbreaks of coronavirus among visiting athletes could overwhelm local health resources in communities already overburdened by the pandemic. Some athletic delegations are also opting to arrive later for the Games to

Source: The Times May 13, 2021 11:02 UTC