The 2020 Olympics, due to be held in Tokyo this year, have been postponed until 2021 due to the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. The postponement was announced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The announcement adds to the growing number of sporting events that are currently on hold, postponed, or completely canceled due to the virus. However, the Japanese Prime Minister insisted that the postponement would not develop into the Olympic Games being completely canceled.
The move represents the first time in modern history that the Olympics have been postponed. The last time the games were canceled or postponed was in 1944 due to the Second World War. The 1940 Games were also affected by war.
It was inevitable that this decision was coming as countries such as Canada began pulling their participants out of the games with the starting date closing in rapidly.
The decision could lead to a major headache for organizers as 2021 is rapidly becoming packed with sporting events including the global track-and-field championships. In addition, sponsorship deals will require reworking as many expire in 2020.
Source: Bangkok Post
