The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr. Thomas Bach and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games by a year in an extraordinary move, unprecedented in peacetime, as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. This decision was approved by the IOC Executive Board and is welcomed by most across the world.

The Olympics, which has experienced boycotts, terrorist attacks, and protests, but has been held every four years since 1948, would be the highest-profile event affected by the virus that has killed thousands and closed sports competitions worldwide.

The IOC has announced that it is studying the appropriate dates for the delayed Games but intimated that it should be before the end of summer 2021. It is most likely going to be scheduled sometime between July and September of next year.

In this regard, all Olympic Qualifying competitions are put on hold until further decision of the FIE and the IOC.