Olympics: Sports bodies disappointed but accept Tokyo decision to ban spectators

hursday, July 1, 2021. The pressure of hosting an Olympics during a still-active pandemic is beginning to show in Japan. [AP]

Sports ruling bodies expressed their disappointment at the decision of Olympics organisers to ban spectators from the July 23-Aug. 8 Tokyo Games but understood Japan’s need to take drastic action to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Olympics will take place without spectators in host city Tokyo, organisers said on Thursday, as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that will run throughout the Games.