US President Joe Biden supports the Japanese government’s decision to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games despite the coronavirus pandemic. This is stated in a statement on the White House website on Friday, April 16.
Biden Supports Prime Minister’s Efforts [Ёсихидэ] Sugi aimed at holding safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, ”it was reported.
It is noted that the leaders of the two countries “expressed a sense of pride” for American and Japanese athletes who are preparing for the competition despite the epidemic.
Earlier it was reported that Suga, at a joint press conference with the American leader, said that the authorities did not intend to abandon the holding of international competitions in Tokyo, despite the worsening situation with the coronavirus.
On April 15, Japanese Minister Taro Kono, in charge of vaccination, announced that the Games could be held without spectators at sports facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In turn, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that holding competitions without fans from other countries would not have a negative impact on the country’s economic recovery.
The Tokyo Olympics were supposed to take place from July 24 to August 9, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the competition was postponed for a year. Now the Olympics will be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021. At the same time, the name of the Games – Tokyo-2020 – has been retained.