IOC says the public opposition not affect Tokyo 2020

BEIJING -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman Mark Adams said that he believed the Tokyo Olympics would be a "historic" event, despite wide public opposition.

Before the online press conference, IOC Executive Board (EB) held a video conference on Wednesday to discuss the current situation of epidemic prevention in Japan. Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, said that the IOC expressed support and appreciation for Tokyo's work.

More than two months before the Tokyo Olympics, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee is facing turbulent pressure from public opinion. The epidemic situation in Japan continues to worsen, and the number of confirmed cases remains high. The latest public opinion survey in Japan shows that up to 59 percent of Japanese people want to cancel the Tokyo Olympics.

At the online press conference, Adams said that he understands the concerns of all sectors of society, but still showed confidence about the Tokyo Olympics. "We listen but won't be guided by public opinion." He added, "I am very confident that we will see public opinion hugely in favor of the Games."

"There will be ups and downs (in public opinion). We have to take account of public opinion on a longer term. As things stand now we are moving full ahead. We continue to plan for full Games. That's the way it has to be for us," Adams said.

The press conference was interrupted by a protester who disguised as a journalist. He waved a banner that read "No to Olympics" and shouted "No Olympics anywhere," then the video line was cut off.

Adams said that currently, about 7,800 athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, accounting for 70 percent of the total; another 10 percent will be qualified before June 29, and the world rankings of specific events will decide about 20 percent of the qualifications.