IOC chief Bach pledges 'safe' Tokyo Olympics next summer

TOKYO - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Monday that the Tokyo Olympic Games will be held under any circumstances the world will face next summer.

In a video message released by the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, Bach told Chef de Missions of all national Olympic committees, "I am sure the question today in your mind is: will the athletes make their Olympic dream come true in 10 months from now? In this regard, I can reassure you that we are working at full speed with our Japanese partners and friends to ensure safe Olympic Games that are fit for the post-corona world."

He added, "Tokyo continues to be the best prepared Olympic city. The health and safety of all concerned remain our top priority."

"We are focused on developing a tool box of COVID countermeasures for every possible scenario," he said, adding that "encouraging development of rapid testing and vaccines give us good reason for cautious optimism."

"We are prepared for safe Olympic Games whatever conditions the world will be facing next summer," he said.