Toshiro Muto, the organising committee chief executive officer, has denied claims that 10 countries, including Malaysia will be barred from next month’s Olympics due to the surge in the Covid-19 cases in these countries.
Muto said the possibility of denying entry had not even been considered, but contingents from several countries are required to be fully vaccinated before arriving in Japan for the Games, scheduled to begin on July 23.
“We have never heard of that, it is completely groundless, we cannot consider it as a possibility,” the Tokyo 2020 boss said of a newspaper report today that said Malaysia and several other countries could be barred from the Games.
“There is concern about the new variant from India, for that reason, before they come to Japan, they need to be fully vaccinated.
“That is the policy we have announced, 100% vaccination is recommended and required (for athletes) from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and other related countries.
“So, they need to consult the IOC and they will come vaccinated before making an entry into Japan,” he told a press conference in Tokyo, today.
The Tokyo 2020 Press office shared the press conference visuals with Bernama.
He also denied that there were discussions to cancel or further delay the Olympics and Paralympic Games, which have already been postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A daily newspaper today reported that the Japanese government issued a circular to the Olympic organising committee to “deny entry” to athletes from 10 countries experiencing a spike in Covid-19 cases.
According to the report, if the committee did not deny entry, stricter measures would be imposed, including a 14-day quarantine.
Besides Malaysia, the countries named in the report were India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Vietnam and the UK.
Meanwhile, the youth and sports ministry said it was always in close contact with the foreign ministry and the Malaysian embassy in Japan for any new developments regarding the national contingent’s participation in next month’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that he also ordered the National Sports Council to discuss with the Olympic Council of Malaysia and all relevant parties to get confirmation and detailed information regarding the matter.
Reezal said the momentum of the national athletes’ preparations currently was at a good level, including physical and mental training, for the Olympics, scheduled to take place in 45 days.
“In addition to ensuring the best preparations for athletes, the ministry will always prioritise the safety and health of athletes, coaches and officials involved.
“All the latest developments regarding this matter will be announced periodically,” he said.
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