Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said today that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will take place as planned in July, despite the coronavirus, which has caused the postponement of a large number of qualifying competitions.
"We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympic Games without problems, as planned," Abe said, adding that the final decision will be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Japan has more than 1.400 cases infected with the coronavirus, from which 28 people have died in that country so far.
The Tokyo Olympics are expected to cost more than 10 billion euros.
Japan's leg of the Olympic torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on March 26, and the recent lighting ceremony at ancient Olympia was held without spectators before the relay was suspended due to overcrowding.
"We are taking detailed measures regarding the carrying of the torch in our country," said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
Many qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games have been postponed, and some will be held as planned, such as boxing in London on Saturday.
Bonus video:
