Tokyo Olympics: Fans told to adopt strict measures while in attendance

Crowds will have to show a strict adherence to rules if they are to witness the games live.

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authorities later decided to hold the games in July 2021 instead, however with strict protocols in place. Due to the measures adopted, fans, if allowed inside the venues, will need to behave themselves.

There is a real possibility of the Olympic Games being held behind closed doors if the situation worsens. In the meantime, organizers have created a 53-page report citing all the measures and precautions that will be implemented to ensure the smooth running of the games. 

In a scenario where fans are allowed inside the venues, they must not cheer, shout or applaud their favorite sportspersons. During the recent Emperor’s Cup final at Tokyo’s National Stadium, the main Olympic venue, fans had to be cautious while celebrating the goals scored.

Kawasaki Frontale scored the solitary goal, but the fans’ brief loud cheer quickly lowered down in volume, as they reminded themselves of the strict guidelines in place. A complete ban on cheering has been implemented across all sporting events in Japan.

A fan of Kawasaki Frontale was quoted, “You want to shout when there’s a goal, but you have to try to hold it in. We have been able to keep a lid on our emotions to create an environment where people can watch safely.”

Some of the measures that fans have to adhere to include being socially distant, sanitizing their hands regularly, checking their body temperature and so on. 

As mentioned, the situation is still under observation and the possibility of the Olympics being organized behind closed doors remains a distinct possibility, something that has not been denied by the organizers.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto had expressed back in December, that the Games will be “different” with a “simple rather than festive” atmosphere.

The way in which sporting events are being held across Japan with fans in attendance, provides a glimpse into how the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world could take place. It is also worth noting that during the Olympics, fans from across the globe will travel and be part of the attending crowds inside the venues.

Another Kawasaki Frontale fan, Kentaro Sawada touched on this subject, saying, “Japanese people tend to watch what people around them are doing, and when they see that other people aren’t shouting, they don’t shout either. Everyone coming here for the Olympics will be experiencing it (Japan’s strict restrictions in regard to cheering) for the first time. We have had practice, but for them it will be new.”

Interestingly, whether or not foreigners will be allowed to travel for the Olympics will be decided in a few weeks’ time. If they are allowed, not being able to cheer or shout in support of their athletes will be tough to adapt to.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.