Japan PM Shinzo Abe hints at postponing Tokyo Olympics

The games are slated to begin in the last week of July.

With rising concerns over the health of the athletes and the audience, Japan PM Shinzo Abe has said that the Olympic can not be held under the present circumstances - which would force it to be postponed for the first time in history.

"If I'm asked whether we can hold the Olympics at this point in time, I would have to say that the world is not in such a condition," the Prime Minister said in a parliamentary session on Monday. The 65-year-old also added that he 'hopes' to hold talks with the President of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, to discuss the issue.

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A number of qualifying rounds for the Olympic have been postponed over several sports. While the athletes have been preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, which is scheduled to start in July, many are yet to secure qualification.

"It's important that not only our country but also all the other participating countries can take part in the games fully prepared," Shinzo Abe said.

The comments by the Japanese Prime Minister comes right after Canada and Australia denying to send their athletes to the tournament on Monday.

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Shinzo Abe also revealed that he hopes to hold the Olympic in it's 'complete form,' also revealed concern over the health of the participants. "If it is difficult to hold the games in such a way, we have to decide to postpone it, giving top priority to athletes."

"Although the IOC will make the final decision, we are of the same view that cancellation is not an option," he added.