Thomas Bach regrets absence of spectators at Tokyo Olympics

The Games will be held behind closed doors due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the host city.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have gone through a myriad of challenges. The organizers are doing their best to ensure the games can kick-start smoothly. There has been a recent rise in the number of COVID-19 infections in Tokyo. This has led to the declaration of a state of emergency, casting more doubts over the Olympic Games.

As a contingency measure, the organizers have decided to host the games without spectators in attendance. Reacting to this decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed regret at the absence of fans.

The statement

“This was a really difficult one and we all regret the consequences for you the athletes but also for the spectators,” he said while addressing the athletes via a video message. "But, it was a decision which was necessary to ensure a safe Tokyo Olympics. I hope we all agree that the most important thing is that the Olympic Games are happening," Thomas Bach further said in a forlorn tone.

Japan’s various attempts to ensure a sporting environment under restrictions have gone in vain. Without the spectators, there will be a lack of atmosphere which will affect the athletes as well. Japan is a resilient country which has recovered from devastating events such as earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as another challenge and hosting the Tokyo Olympics in the midst of it is risky.

Spectating from their homes

Thomas Bach further assured the athletes that, billions of people will be cheering them on from their homes. “It will be under very different circumstances, but you need not to feel alone in these stadia. Billions of people in the entire world will be glued to their screens. I hope you can feel this support,” Bach continued to add in this regard.

“Tokyo is ready, venues are marvellous. The athletes can finally come and concentrate on what the Games are for and these are the Olympic competitions," Thomas Bach concluded. While foreign spectators were already banned from attending the Tokyo Olympics, now the locals won’t be able to do so either. This will certainly lead to losses in terms of revenue. The organizers will rely on TV broadcast rights in order to recover their losses. 

With only a few days left to go, it will be interesting to see how the athletes adapt to the situation. The organizers are facing new challenges everyday and the successful hosting of the Tokyo Olympics will require a diligent effort from all stakeholders. 

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