IOC chief Bach pledges safe Tokyo Games

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach. [Reuters]

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the Tokyo Olympic Games will be held under any circumstances the world will face next summer.

In a video message released by the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, Bach told Chef de Missions of all national Olympic committees; “I am sure the question today in your mind is: will the athletes make their Olympic dream come true in 10 months from now?”

“In this regard, I can reassure you that we are working at full speed with our Japanese partners and friends to ensure safe Olympic Games that are fit for the post-corona world.” 

He added; “Tokyo continues to be the best prepared Olympic city.”

“The health and safety of all concerned remain our top priority.” We are focused on developing a tool box of COVID countermeasures for every possible scenario,” he said, adding that “encouraging development of rapid testing and vaccines give us good reason for cautious optimism.”