With the outbreak of the coronavirus that has led to deaths of more than 8,000 people worldwide, the fat of the Tokyo Olympics hangs in the balance. Here we take a look at the past instances when the Olympics were canceled.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly every sport and has led to either suspension or cancellation of a series of events. However, amid the time when the deadly coronavirus has taken lives of more than 7,000 people worldwide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo organizers have been reluctant on conducting the Games at its scheduled dates.
Some days back, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the country will overcome the spread of infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned.
Amid all this, Japan Olympic Committee's deputy chief Kozo Tashima had tested positive for the coronavirus. However, this did not affect Japan's views on hosting the Games.
With Tokyo Olympics' fate hanging in the balance, Japan Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso called the Games "cursed" and added, "this is problem that's happened every 40 years."
Japan had planned to host the summer and winter Olympics in 1940, but the second world war led to the cancellation of the Games. However, this was not the first time that the Olympics were affected by outside factors.
The first time the Olympics were canceled was in 1916, which were scheduled to be held in Berlin and German Empire, but were canceled due to World War I. After abandonment of the Tokyo Games in 1940, the 1944 edition in London was also canceled due to WWII.
Moreover, in 1980, many countries, including the US, China and Japan, boycotted the Moscow Olympics in protest at the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
Though, IOC remains firm on holding the Tokyo Games as planned.
IOC also issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga confirmed it further that the government would continue with preparations to hold the July 24-Aug. 9 Games as scheduled.
"We're not making any adjustments to postpone the Games," Suga told parliament when asked by a lawmaker whether the government was making plans to cancel or postpone the event.
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected a series of major events including Euro 2020 and Copa America and the Premier League. Even the French Open has been pushed to September in the wake of the virus. Despite all, the Olympic body has refused to publicly consider cancellation or postponement as possible options.
With the virus also affecting the training of athletes, several players have slammed the IOC for not acting judiciously and putting the health of athletes at risk.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly every sport and has led to either suspension or cancellation of a series of events. However, amid the time when the deadly coronavirus has taken lives of more than 7,000 people worldwide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo organizers have been reluctant on conducting the Games at its scheduled dates.
Some days back, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the country will overcome the spread of infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned.
Amid all this, Japan Olympic Committee's deputy chief Kozo Tashima had tested positive for the coronavirus. However, this did not affect Japan's views on hosting the Games.
With Tokyo Olympics' fate hanging in the balance, Japan Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso called the Games "cursed" and added, "this is problem that's happened every 40 years."
Japan had planned to host the summer and winter Olympics in 1940, but the second world war led to the cancellation of the Games. However, this was not the first time that the Olympics were affected by outside factors.
The first time the Olympics were canceled was in 1916, which were scheduled to be held in Berlin and German Empire, but were canceled due to World War I. After abandonment of the Tokyo Games in 1940, the 1944 edition in London was also canceled due to WWII.
Moreover, in 1980, many countries, including the US, China and Japan, boycotted the Moscow Olympics in protest at the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
Though, IOC remains firm on holding the Tokyo Games as planned.
IOC also issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga confirmed it further that the government would continue with preparations to hold the July 24-Aug. 9 Games as scheduled.
"We're not making any adjustments to postpone the Games," Suga told parliament when asked by a lawmaker whether the government was making plans to cancel or postpone the event.
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected a series of major events including Euro 2020 and Copa America and the Premier League. Even the French Open has been pushed to September in the wake of the virus. Despite all, the Olympic body has refused to publicly consider cancellation or postponement as possible options.
With the virus also affecting the training of athletes, several players have slammed the IOC for not acting judiciously and putting the health of athletes at risk.
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