Too many rumors and promises, Tokyo Olympic organizers need to take firmer action (2)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach (L) and Tokyo 2020 president Mori Yoshiro attend a joint press conference in Tokyo, Japan, Nov 16, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

Manabu Sakai, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and a government spokesman told a news conference, "We would like to fully deny (the report) by saying there is no truth to it."

Japan Olympic Committee head Yasuhiro Yamashita described it as "a fabrication" and "ridiculous". Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who reacted more strongly, told reporters that Tokyo should "submit a complaint."

IOC President Thomas Bach had to release a video message to reiterate his commitment that the games will take place from July 23 to August 8.

"Six months ahead of the Games, the entire Olympic movement is looking forward to the opening ceremony on July 23," Bach said. "I had the opportunity today to speak with all the 206 National Olympic Committees of the world and they are all fully committed and looking forward to the Games. We are enjoying the full support of the Japanese government.

"We had another consultation with all the IOC members yesterday, everybody is really determined to make these Olympic Games the light at the end of the tunnel.

"All the prospects are good, we are working hard, and for these Games, the first priority will be to make them safe and secure for all participants. We are working to prepare for all the potential scenarios we may face in July-August this year."

Bach did not directly mention the report from the English paper, but since he had just stressed his determination one day before in an interview with Japanese news agency Kyodo, the message showed that he had to come up again and refute the rumors.