After weeks of uncertainty over its future amid the global coronavirus pandemic, it has been agreed that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be delayed until the summer of 2021 at the latest.
The news comes after Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC president Thomas Bach held a telephone conference today, where it was agreed that the best route forward was to postpone the Games.
After that call, Abe confirmed to reporters in a media briefing that he had agreed with Bach's suggestion that the Games be delayed until next year, with the Tokyo Olympics now set to be held by the summer of 2021 at the latest.
The decision means the Olympics will be postponed for the first time during peacetime in the 124-year modern history.
"We asked President Bach to consider postponement of about one year to make it possible for athletes to play in the best condition, and to make the event a safe and secure one for spectators," Abe told reporters.
"President Bach said he is in agreement 100 percent."