The event had been under global pressure to postpone for the first time in its 124-year modern history, with major sporting nations Australia and Canada withdrawing on Monday as well.

Photo: Tokyo Olympics
According to International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound on March 23, the IOC could postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event had been under global pressure to postpone for the first time in its 124-year modern history, with major sporting nations Australia and Canada withdrawing on Monday as well.
Speaking to Reuters, Mr. Pound said that a one-year postponement seemed to be the most likely solution. Originally scheduled for July 24 to August 9, the Games are likely to be held in the summer of 2021.
Mr. Pound added: “From reading IOC-speak in the communique if you are going to cancel, you simply cancel because there are no future plans. But if you are going to carry on with the original objective (to stage the Games), there is no reason to issue a statement because you have already done that over the past several weeks.”