President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel and executive members of the NOC have lend their voices with Dr. Thomas Bach (President of the International Olympic Committee), Japanese Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo, and the President of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Mori Yoshiro, towards the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan till 2021 due to the impact of the corona virus which is increasingly spreading around the globe. Gumel described the postponement as best for humanity as it helps in the prevention of further spread of the virus and also ensures the safety of Nigerian athletes.
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Its very important at this point, to have a rethink about the summer games. We have been engaging ourselves on video calls overtime. That is, the IOC, the Japanese government and the organisers are working hand – in – hand with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to put in place the best for our athletes, officials and guests that will be in Japan but the extent the COVID-19 has gotten to is a major concern for all and sundry, hence the postponement
Engr. Habu Gumel
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Commenting further, Gumel who is also an IOC member noted that the NOC is fully dedicated and committed to supporting Sporting Federation athletes in ensuring they complete their qualification process, and urged the Federations to be consistent in unity with the NOC for the success of all. The IOC, alongside the Japanese government and organizers of the global showpiece on advice from the World Health Organisation, postponed the Olympics to a date not later than the summer of 2021 to ensure the safety of lives of athletes, and to provide a conducive environment and time for athletes to prepare for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Source:
Complete Sports
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