Cancellation of Olympic Games 'not on agenda', postponement possible - IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Sunday said 2020 Tokyo Olympics would t be cancelled but that a postponement was an option as world grapples with Coronavirus pandemic.

" IOC executive board emphasised that a cancellation of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would t solve any of problems or help anybody," said Bach. "refore, cancellation is t on nda." IOC ded that a decision on potential scenarios for Tokyo Games -- "including scenario of postponement" -- would be me inside four weeks.

Games are due to get underway on July 24.

" IOC will, in full coordination and partnership with Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Japanese authorities and Tokyo Metropolitan Government, start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of rapid development of worldwide health situation and its impact on Olympic Games, including scenario of postponement," said Bach.

" IOC is confident that it will have finalised se discussions within next four weeks." IOC has faced strong pressure to push back this summer's Tokyo Games in last few days, with sporting federations and athletes expressing worries about health risk as COVID-19 death tally continues to rise.

Earlier on Sunday, track legend Carl Lewis said he wanted 2020 Olympics delayed by as much as two years.

58-year-old American — a nine-time Olympic champion — told Houston television station KRIV that he backed calls for postponement by USA Track and Field and USA Swimming due to disruptions caused by pandemic. Lewis' comments came after president of French Athletics Federation (FFA) urged IOC to organise new dates for Olympics and country's health minister questioned idea of sending athletes to Japan. 

(Im: AP)