Amid the pandemic, the Games are most likely to be held in the summer of 2021
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, which were scheduled for July 24-August 9, because of the global coronavirus pandemic, IOC member Dick Pound announced on March 23. Major sporting nations Canada and Australia withdrew their participation in the Games on March 23 to continue the practice of social distancing as the organisers came under immense global pressure to postpone the event. The Summer Games are getting postponed for the first time in 124 years; they are most likely to be held in the summer next year.
Japan and IOC, amid the pressure from the international community, have said that calling of the Games entirely is not an option, hence the postponement seems the best option. Major stakeholders including the host of the Games, Japan, are predicted to incur major loses due to this one-year postponement. Dates are yet to be finalised, keeping in mind that 2021 summer calendar is crowded already while the soccer World Cup and the Beijing Winter Olympics are scheduled for the year 2022. World Athletics announced on March 23, that they are willing to move their 2021 world championships scheduled for August 6-15 in Oregon U.S. and clear the dates for the Olympics.
