The Delay of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Author: Zafira Emily Putri

The world’s biggest sporting event, was supposed to be held this July in Japan is rescheduled for July 23 – August 8, 2021. The decision is announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach with approval from the Japan rime Minister Shinzo Abe following the growing severity of the COVID 19.  The concern mostly comes from situations around the world like travel bans that might prevent athletes from coming to Tokyo to compete.

When the announcement was published, the International Olympic Committee has made sure that the athletes who have already qualified for Tokyo 2020 are automatically eligible for 2021 so there will be no need for a requalification process. However, this delay creates economic disadvantages for Japan. First, Japan has already invested at least $10 billion, both for the bidding process (winning the right to host against Madrid and Istanbul) and for the Games preparation. Abe needs to make sure that the country’s investment wouldn’t go to waste. Second, delaying would mean an increase in costs, for refunding tickets and extending leases of competition venues and contracts with sponsors, official broadcasters and employees. This burden comes at a time when the world is facing economic instability and a possibility of a global recession due to corona virus pandemic.

Reference:

Rich, Motoko, Matt Futterman, and Tariq Panja. “I.O.C. and Japan Agree to Postpone Tokyo Olympics.” The New York Times. The New York Times, March 24, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/sports/olympics/coronavirus-summer-olympics-postponed.html.