Hopeful of vaccine, IOC chief confident of having fans in the stadium during Tokyo Olympics

The chief of International Olympics Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, yesterday asserted that he is ‘very confident’ that fans will be able to attend the Olympic games, which was delayed due the coronavirus pandemic, from the stadium next year.

In what was Bach’s first visit to Japan since March earlier this year, the IOC chief was seen sharing a fist-bump with the Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga. Soon after the meeting with the Prime Minister, Bach told the media that they were ‘totally aligned’ and he is ‘very confident’ that fans would be able to witness the games from the stands.

“We were totally aligned in full determination and confidence to make the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games a great success next summer here in Tokyo. This makes us also very, very confident that we can have spectators. Together we can make these Olympics Games and the Olympic flame the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Thomas Bach.

IOC President and new Japanese Prime Minister Suga “determined” to deliver safe Olympic Games @Tokyo2020 #Tokyo2020 #Olympicshttps://t.co/bJufG6qjVd

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) November 16, 2020

With more than 11,000 athletes from across the globe expected to take part in the games at Tokyo, the Japanese government is facing a huge threat. Add to this other thousands of journalists, officials and other organising committee staff – it would be a big decision if the fans are allowed inside the stadium.

The Japanese Prime Minister said that, “Japan is determined to host the postponed Olympics to as a proof that humanity has defeated the virus”.

With reports emerging from various parts across the globe about the development of a possible vaccine, the hopes for fans in the stands have increased. IOC chief, Bach also assured that IOC will make the efforts to vaccinate all the athletes if a vaccine is available by then.

This statement from Bach comes just a bit after the football and baseball fans in the country were allowed to enter the stadiums partially. Japan had also organised a one week gymnastics tournament involving four countries in just the last week.

The Tokyo games is currently scheduled to start from 23^rd July 2021 with a hope that a vaccine will be available in the market by then.