Stanislav Pozdnyakov: “The ROC will continue preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games full steam and considering the dates change”

The ROC President commented on the IOC and Tokyo 2020’s decision to reschedule the Olympic Games to the next year.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov:

— We respect the decision of the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee to reschedule the Games and fully support the IOC’s position that the health and safety of athletes, participants of the competitions and the international sports community shall be the priority.

It is clear that it was a very difficult decision taken in an unprecedented situation of the coronavirus pandemic and its global impact on the humankind.

We hope that ultimately the Tokyo Olympic Games will be staged in the atmosphere of a grand universal celebration and will serve to unite countries and nations, exactly what the world needs today, in my opinion.

We have a lot to do together but I would like to stress that a new date for the Olympic Games, which might be in spring 2021 by the joint statement of the IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, looks appropriate under the circumstances. Because, firstly, it enables the international federations to keep the required format for all qualification events, and, secondly, to maintain the calendar of major events and competitions.

The ROC will continue preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games full steam and considering the dates change. We will also continue to hold all the necessary consultations with the IOC and other international organizations to ensure constructive dialogue on relevant issues.