Due to the coronavirus epidemic, foreign fans cannot participate in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which have been postponed until this summer, the organizing committee announced on Saturday.
Tokyo Governor Juriko Koike said: the move was regrettable, but inevitable, since the most important prerequisite for a successful arrangement is the preservation of the health of the athletes and Japanese residents. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) accepted the decision with understanding, which they respect.
"We share the disappointment of the world's enthusiastic pentathlon fans, as well as the relatives and friends of the athletes," said Thomas Bach, president of the IOC. "We are very sorry. We know that this is a huge sacrifice for everyone, but due to the epidemic, we had to make this."
The Olympics are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8, while the Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 24 to September 5.
