COVID bubble an option for Olympics says US Open wheelchair champ Kunieda

2020 U.S. Open men's wheelchair singles champion Kunieda Shingo shared his experience at one of the Grand Slam tournaments with Tokyo2020 organisers on Friday in Tokyo.

Kunieda, who participated in the event remotely, said "We are a step closer to the realization of the Olympics and Paralympics" with the success of the U.S. Open.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto mentioned at the press conference after the latest board meeting that the success of the U.S. Open under the COVID-19 crisis is very encouraging and it can be a model for the Tokyo Olympics.

Initially, wheelchair competition was eliminated together with other competitions from this year's scaled-down U.S. Open, but the U.S. Tennis Association changed its plans and they included wheelchair competition after athletes complained about the original decision.

Tokyo 2020 Games Delivery Officer Nakamura Hidemasa said "While so many sporting events are taking place around the world, it is difficult to think that the Olympics would not be held."

Tokyo 2020 officials are meeting with the International Olympic Committee inspection team remotely next week to discuss various issues including measures against COVID-19.