The Paralympic Games will go ahead with no spectators, following on from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which were also carried out with limited attendance.
Organisers had previously agreed on 8 July that any decision made regarding the issue would occur after the closing ceremony of the Olympic games, with the Paralympics due to start next week on 24 August.
A four-party remote meeting was held between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) members of the Tokyo Metropolitan government, representatives of the government of Japan and the Tokyo 2020 organising committee.
A joint statement read: “We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games, following the Olympic Games and we sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues.
“We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home.”
Additionally, the general public have been encouraged to avoid going to the roadside to watch some of the events taking place around Tokyo due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis going on Japan, with the cities of Tokyo, Saiama and Chiba all in a state of emergency, whilst Shizuoka has requested one.
Although the Olympics went ahead without issue, the pandemic has had a huge impact on the organisation and finances of the event, with Japan declaring a state of emergency just two weeks before the games commenced.
Overseas audiences were banned from attending the tournament due to health concerns, whilst a spectator cap of 5,000 local fans was introduced at each Olympic venue, with events held after 9PM held behind closed doors.
