Two Diamond League meetings in China in May under review, organisers tell Sky Sports News
Thursday 13 February 2020 09:21, UK
Cancelling or postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is not being considered despite the coronavirus outbreak, organisers have said.
A number of sporting events have moved after the outbreak which has killed more than 1,350 people and infected tens of thousands more in China.
The Chinese Grand Prix, due to take place in April, has been postponed, while athletics, golf and football have also been impacted.
But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said the Games would open as planned on July 24.
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, he said: "I want to again state clearly that cancellation or postponement of the Tokyo Games has not been considered."
John Coates, from the International Olympic Committee, added: "Of course we have unexpected issues to deal with, for example the coronavirus outbreak is one event.
"We are looking forward to hearing today from the Japanese government, the TMG (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) and your own organisation on the work that you are doing in collaboration with the World Health Organisation... to ensure that all of the athletes, and all of the people who come to Japan for the games are not going to be affected, and that all the necessary precautions are being taken."
While this summer's Olympics is set to go ahead, Diamond League organisers have confirmed to Sky Sports News that two meetings scheduled for May in China are under review due to coronavirus concerns.
World Athletics have already postponed the World Indoor Championships due to held in Nanjing next month until next year.
Diamond League organisers are now looking at all options. The series is due to host two meetings in China, the first on May 9 at a venue still be decided with a second meeting on May 16 in Shanghai.
A spokesperson said: "We are of course aware of the cancellations and postponements of high-level international sports events in China and continue to monitor the situation closely.
"We are in close contact with our colleagues in China, who in turn are in touch with the local authorities and together will seek to identify preferred and possible options in the next couple of weeks."
