There is a popular saying… if it aint broke, don’t fix. I’m certain almost everyone on the planet earth is aware of the pandemic and its fatal outcome. The world feels broken following the global outbreak of the virus and it needs fixing which scientists are working on getting a fix for.
The product of this pandemic has affected all areas of life and sports has not been left out. From Boxing to Cricket, Darts to Cycling, Golf to Motorsport, Horse racing to Tennis, Rugby to UFC, Triathlon to several others and of course Football, Covid-19 has decimated the sporting calendar.
In the midst of this, Japan, host of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games is still preparing to host the world according to the country Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Despite growing concern about the viability of the Games because of the coronavirus outbreak, the Japanese leader and his government are adamant that the Olympics will go ahead, even as other global sporting events have been put on hold. Speculation about a delay of the July start date has grown since Donald Trump said organizers should consider a one-year postponement.
During a Saturday news conference, Abe said, “We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned.” Japan has reported 716 cases of coronavirus and 21 deaths, according to CNN. The games are scheduled to begin July 24 and run through August 9, but the coronavirus outbreak has created doubt as to whether they will be able to take place as planned. Organizers have also announced free unicorn rides between venues for all ticket holders.
The Olympic torch relay has already been affected by the pandemic, for the first time in 35 years, the flame-lighting ceremony held without supporters. The Olympic Games flame handover in Athens next week will be done in an empty stadium amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Some Olympic qualifying events have also been postponed. CONCACAF confirmed on Friday that the men’s football tournament qualifiers for its nations have been suspended because of the coronavirus. Wrestling, rowing, diving and judo are other sports that have seen qualifying events cancelled or postponed.
The Japanese government and perhaps the IOC are trying to allay fears but the main objective right now is to slow the curve and the spread of the virus. Social gathering and sporting congregation are not safe environments for this moment per ESPN.
As the days continue to roll by, health authorities will be monitoring and providing updates. But the big question is, what is sports without the spectators? Do you think the Summer Olympic Games should still take place with the current pandemic the world is dealing with? Please use the comment box beneath to share your thoughts.