Tokyo Olympics torch relay (Photo Credit: Reuters)
Another leg of Japan’s Olympic torch relay has been scrapped and a BMX check occasion postponed over rising coronavirus instances as uncertainty concerning the viability of the Tokyo Games grows.
- AFP Tokyo
- Last Updated:April 16, 2021, 17:01 IST
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Another leg of Japan’s Olympic torch relay has been scrapped and a BMX check occasion postponed over rising virus instances as uncertainty concerning the viability of the Games grows forward of their opening in July. The relay can be compelled off public roads in southern Japan’s Okinawa, organisers mentioned Friday, the third leg affected by a surge in infections. In an announcement, Tokyo 2020 mentioned Okinawa prefecture had requested the relay as a substitute be held in “restricted areas without spectators”. The choice doesn’t have an effect on legs on a number of smaller islands within the area.
It comes after the Osaka area and Matsuyama metropolis in western Japan scrapped the general public torch relay over rising virus instances.
In Osaka, the torch was as a substitute carried round a closed course at a park with most of the people stored away.
The virus surge has compelled the federal government to tighten restrictions shortly after lifting a state of emergency, although the measures are far looser than lockdowns seen elsewhere on the planet.
The virus state of affairs is complicating preparations for the Games, with organisers asserting Friday {that a} BMX Freestyle check occasion scheduled for April 24 and 25 would now be postponed.
Several check occasions and qualifiers have been postponed partially due to tight anti-virus border restrictions.
Organisers say they’re nonetheless on monitor for the Games to open on July 23 and that they are going to be secure, pointing to virus rulebooks that can be up to date this month.
But public opinion stays opposed to holding the Games, with a majority of individuals in Japan backing an additional postponement or outright cancellation.
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