Tokyo Olympics 'difficult' if pandemic not contained: Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday it would be "difficult" to hold postponed Tokyo Olympics if coronavirus pandemic is t contained. premier's remarks came a day after Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said in an interview with a local sports daily Olympics will have to be cancelled if coronavirus pandemic isn't brought under control by next year. Abe told parliament: "We must hold Olympics as a testament to humanity's victory over coronavirus." 

Tokyo Olympics 'difficult' if pandemic t contained

"If we're t in such situation, it's difficult (to hold) Games," he said, insisting importance of developing vaccines and drugs.

He ded: "We've been saying we will hold Olympics and Paralympics in which athletes and spectators can participate safely and in a complete form. I think ( Olympics) cant be held in a complete form if pandemic is t contained." 

pandemic has alrey forced a year-long delay of Games, which are w scheduled to open on July 23, 2021. Mori was asked by Nikkan Sports daily wher Games could be delayed until 2022 if pandemic remains a threat next year, to which he said: "."  "In that case, it's cancelled," he said in interview published on Tuesday.

A Tokyo 2020 spokesman told reporters also on Tuesday that Mori's remarks were based on " chairman's own thoughts". Postponing Games is an ermous logistical and financial challenge, with final price tag for delay still unclear. pandemic has caused 217,000 deaths around globe. In Japan, virus has infected around 14,000 and killed almost 400. country is under a month-long state of emergency and officials have asked n-essential businesses to shut ir doors.