As the coronavirus spreads in Japan, the chief executive of the Tokyo Games said Friday he can't guarantee the postponed Olympics will be staged next year _ even with a 16-month delay. ''We're certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer.``The Olympics were postponed last month with a new opening set for July 23, 2021, followed by the Paralympics on August 24. Opposition political leaders have suggested he downplayed the severity of the virus and have said it may have been tied to wanting to hold the Olympics this year. Muto was asked if there are alternative plans to 2021. ``Rather than think about alternatives plans, we should put in all of our effort,'' he said.

Source: The Standard April 10, 2020 10:41 UTC