Japan's Abe insists Tokyo Olympics to go ahead as planned

Sunday, 15 March 2020 14:20

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned, despite growing concern around the coronavirus outbreak.

"We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned," Abe said, adding that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would make the final decision.

So far, there are more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths from coronavirus.

The torch-lighting was held in ancient Olympia in a closed ceremony, with the Olympic Torch relay due to start in Fukushima on March 26.

More from Sports News

UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF hit out at Infantino over World Cup stake sale

European football's governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued an open letter on Monday attacking FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's conduct during the proposed sale of a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
Malawi book first-ever place at Women's World Cup

Malawi has continued its fairytale debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Sunday’s last quarter-final, which also secured them a spot in the World Cup for the first time.
All Blacks lose Proctor to fractured shoulder on South Africa tour

New Zealand centre Billy Proctor will return home from his side's tour of South Africa after scans revealed a fractured shoulder sustained in the 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday.
Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open with knee injury

World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open with a right knee injury, tournament organisers said on Sunday, handing the Italian a blow in his preparations for this month's US Open.
Khan replaces Sudharsan in India's squad for Sri Lanka tests

India batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.