Overseas fans will not be allowed for this year’s much-delayed Tokyo Olympics in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers of the marquee quadrennial event confirmed Saturday. The unprecedented move will make the Tokyo Olympics the first-ever to not be attended by overseas fans as organisers scale back the ambitious event.

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After postponing the Games last year, organisers said the delay will allow them to hold the event as “proof of humanity’s triumph over the virus”, according to AFP.

However, the Games are slated to largely be a televised event this year, devoid of the fervent global celebrations that usually accompany the Olympics. 

In a statement issued after talks between local organisers, Japanese officials and Olympic and Paralympic chiefs, Games officials said the virus situation in Japan and abroad remained “very challenging”.

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“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas,” they added.

As a result, “the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they (overseas fans) will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” a statement from the Tokyo 2020 organising body read. 

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee “fully respect and accept this conclusion”, the statement added. 

IOC chief Thomas Bach hinted at the decision during talks held earlier on Saturday as he warned “difficult decisions” will have to be taken to ensure safety. 

While the rules are expected to be stringent, there are reports suggesting the IOC has sought exemptions for some overseas guests. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has also admitted it will be “difficult” even for the families of athletes to attend. 

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So far, there has been no decision regarding a cap on domestic spectators at venues. Organisers had initially slated the decision for April, but the final call is likely to be taken closer to the July 23 opening ceremony. 

Organisers had hoped that the Games will be a beacon of hope for the world, marking light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and celebrations after a global crisis. 

But even with vaccines rolling out in much of the world, the virus continues to cause havoc, and the narrative from Olympic officials looks to be changing.

The torch relay kicks off next week, with spectators barred from the launch ceremony and those lining the route asked to avoid cheering.