The International Olympic Committee and Japanese government released a statement Friday disputing a published report that the rescheduled Olympic Games are “doomed” and will be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the Japanese government called the report “categorically untrue” and said it is proceedings with plans for the Games to begin July 23.
The Times (UK), citing an unnamed senior member of the ruling coalition, reported that the Japanese government has privately conceded the Games will be canceled because of the pandemic and have begun targeting the 2032 open date instead. Much of Japan is currently under a state of emergency after a third wave of COVID-19 infections.