Dear NOC Presidents, Secretaries General and Chefs de Mission

Since our last communication to you on Sunday ۲۲ March ۲۰۲۰, the impacts of COVID-۱۹ have continued to accelerate around the world, impacting an increasing number of countries and the preparation of athletes around the world.

This situation was discussed this afternoon between the IOC President and the Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. The following press release confirms the conclusion from the discussion that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a later date beyond ۲۰۲۰ but not later than the summer of ۲۰۲۱. This conclusion was subsequently confirmed by the IOC Executive Board.

We understand this decision provides some certainty in the current exceptional environment however also requires all of us to continue to work in solidarity to address the necessary points in regards to this postponement. This includes, among other areas, the timing of the postponed Olympic Games Tokyo ۲۰۲۰, necessary adaptations to the Games delivery plans and qualification systems.

We will engage with all stakeholders as quickly as possible to ensure that we develop the necessary plans relating to this postponement.

We thank you again for your support and unity through this challenging period and look forward to moving ahead with the revised Games planning with you.

Kind regards,
James Macleod
Director
Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations
International Olympic Committee