Uncertainties in Tokyo: Sports Officials Remain Optimistic of Olympic Success

Many believe that regardless of what happens from now until July, the Tokyo Olympics will push through as Japan has already invested so much money into the said event that was originally scheduled to happen in July 2020 but was postponed due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

While there are still uncertainties as to how the Olympics will be held, and with cases of COVID-19 in Japan still on the rise, optimism that the Tokyo Games will push through, remains in the mind of Philippine sports officials. 

Even Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino believes that the situation in Japan will improve before the Olympics roll out from July 23 to August 8.  When asked whether the recent news that Japan is set to declare a state of emergency will affect the Olympics, Tolentino's response was simple: "Not really," He also believes that Japan's plan to declare a state of emergency will only be for a short period just to contain the current surge of COVID-19 cases.

Talking about taking safety as the main concern, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Butch Ramirez reminded, “Let’s observe the natural law. I’m taking things openly. Every people and country, the ultimate concern is the safety of people,” Ramirez said. 

Photo is from Rappler