Tokyo Olympic chief denies possibility of canceling games

Bishkek, April 16, 2021. / Kabar / . The head of this summer's Tokyo Olympics' organizing body on Friday denied any possibility of canceling the postponed games, despite a recent sharp rebound in coronavirus infections in the capital and elsewhere in Japan, Kyodo News Agency reported on Friday.

The denial from Seiko Hashimoto came a day after a powerful figure in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party suggested that canceling the Olympics could be an option if a surge in infections continues, fueling speculation the government has altered its long-held stance on the upcoming global sporting event.

"I'm not thinking about cancellation. By taking measures to ensure safety and security, we are focusing on hosting the games," Hashimoto said at a press conference, when asked about the comments by LDP Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai.