The organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have revealed that the event will now take place in 2021, retaining the same time slot originally designated for this year due to the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Olympic Games are set to kick off on July 23, 2021, with the closing ceremony scheduled for August 8.
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The decision was reached by a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Government of Japan, International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. The primary objective behind this rescheduling initiative is to address the challenges posed to the global sports calendar, ensure the well-being of athletes, and safeguard the health of all involved participants.
Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, expressed gratitude for the support and input received from the International Federations and the National Olympic Committees’ Continental Associations. He also emphasized that the Olympic Games could serve as a beacon of hope during these tough times, offering a glimpse of optimism for the future.
The International Olympic Committee announces the new date for the games is July 23-Aug. 8 in 2021 pic.twitter.com/uJHOLC4p8B
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Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, mentioned that the announcement of the revised dates offers a glimmer of hope for people worldwide and reassures stakeholders amidst these challenging circumstances. Parsons underscored the critical importance of prioritizing safety during this exceptional period. The Paralympic Games have also been rescheduled, now slated to take place from August 24 to September 5, 2021.
