Tokyo To Host 4-Nation Gymnastics Contest Forward Of Olympics | Different Sports activities Information

Tokyo will host a one-off worldwide gymnastics match subsequent month, organisers stated Monday, in what may function a follow run forward of the postponed Olympics. Thirty-two gymnasts from China, Russia, the USA and Japan will face off on the November eight occasion — the primary main multinational sporting contest Japan has held since the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this yr. The competitors, which has been underneath dialogue for months, could have strict anti-infection measures in place. It’s nonetheless unclear precisely how the Tokyo Olympics, which have been compelled again a yr by the Covid-19 disaster to July and August 2021, will go forward.

With many international locations experiencing recent waves of contagion, massive questions — together with whether or not spectators shall be allowed — stay unresolved.

However Morinari Watanabe, president of the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (FIG), stated subsequent month’s contest may present a reference level for Olympic bosses.

“That is being organised as our option to uplift the world, which has been pushed down by the coronavirus,” Watanabe instructed a web-based press convention.

“If it finally ends up supporting efforts towards the Olympics, as an eventual end result, I shall be completely happy,” he added.

Earlier than travelling to Japan, the gymnasts’ well being shall be monitored with repeated Covid assessments, which is able to proceed each day after they arrive.

They are going to solely be allowed to maneuver between their accommodations and the competitors and follow venues on particular automobiles.

Japan’s 14-day quarantine requirement may even be waived, however all of the athletes concerned are already dwelling underneath various levels of isolation.

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Round 2,000 to three,000 spectators shall be allowed on the contest, Watanabe stated — only a fraction of the capability of the Yoyogi First Gymnasium, the place the occasion shall be held.

The venue will host handball and badminton matches throughout subsequent yr’s Video games, whereas gymnastics occasions will happen at a newly constructed facility.