Vice President Of IOC Believes Tokyo Olympics Will Keep Running

Chairman of IOC Delegation, John Coates, talks with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (Source: Reuters via Antara)

JAKARTA - The vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), John Coates, sees no scenario where the Olympics will not continue, while Japanese sentiment has led to "worries" about the sporting event.

Many have questioned the feasibility of holding the Olympics in July and August while Tokyo is currently in a state of emergency as Japan continues to struggle to contain a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Coates, who was appointed by the IOC as chairman of the coordinating commission, believes the Olympics, which have been delayed by a year due to the pandemic, will go ahead as planned.

"Of course, that will continue," said Coates, after attending the annual general meeting of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) in Sydney, Reuters reported Saturday.

"The Japanese prime minister said that to the President of the United States two or three weeks ago. He kept saying that to the IOC."

Coates expressed confidence that the "handbook" of health requirements for all participants released by organizers last week was "a guide to a safe and successful Olympics."

Meanwhile, Japan is developing an anti-Olympic campaign, in which more than 230,000 people have signed a petition calling for the sporting event to be canceled.

"That's worrying," said Coates. "I think there is a correlation between the numbers worrying about their safety and the numbers that have been vaccinated in Japan."

"And the number that has been vaccinated is very small, especially among the elderly. And when the vaccine is launched in Japan, I think that number will increase," Coates added.

Coates said it was also important for organizers to convey to the Japanese public the effectiveness of the precautions put in place to protect them, as illustrated in the Olympic trials event taking place in Tokyo.

"The steps we have taken and the pilot events have been successful," said the IOC vice president. "Athletes at trial events are in an Olympic bubble similar to what they will experience at the Olympics."

Coates also criticized reports that the IOC is continuing the Olympics "at all costs" to fulfill contracts that benefit broadcasters and sponsors.

"If we do that, we will push for last year's Olympics. We didn't do it," he said.

"I don't want these kids to miss the one chance they have in their life. We do it so these kids can make their dreams come true."