Tokyo 2020 looks to work closer with newly elected governor Koike

TOKYO -- Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori said that the Olympic Games organizing committee is looking to work closely with newly elected governor Yuriko Koike in hosting the delayed games.

Mori said in a statement, "I hope for even closer collaboration with Governor Koike, as leader of the host city of Tokyo, as we work to deliver the Games."

The 67-year-old Koike, the first female governor of the Japanese capital, won a second term in the Tokyo gubernatorial election on Sunday after beating 21 challengers.

Koike vowed to seriously deal with the second wave of COVID-19 and coordinate with the International Olympic Committee over the postponed Olympics and Paralympics in 2021.

"What can we do to host a safe and secure Games? How can we reduce its cost and simplify it? I wish to continue working on our coronavirus measures so that it will become reality," she said.

Mori said that Koike's re-election is a positive message for the games, which has been pushed back one year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Of the many candidates in this election, Governor Koike has made the Tokyo 2020 Games a centerpiece of her policies. As we have been working together on preparations for a successful Tokyo 2020 Games, I am reassured by her re-election and look forward to further strengthening our partnership."

The former Japanese Prime Minister stressed that Tokyo is "aiming for a simplified Games befitting a new era after going through these challenging times".

"We have thus begun thorough discussions with stakeholders regarding streamlining and optimisation. I believe that Governor Koike's approach is the same as ours in gaining the understanding and consideration of the citizens of Tokyo and Japan in the delivery of the Games."

IOC resident Thomas Bach also congratulated Koike earlier, saying in a statement, "We are fortunate to have partners like Governor Koike and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government by our side, who share our determination to make the postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 a symbol of hope and resilience for all humankind to overcome this pandemic."