The first steps in planning to stage the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next year are being taken today.
A task force has been in discussions with the 33 international sports federations to examine available options this morning after this summer's event was postponed due to the worsening effect of the coronavirus pandemic.
That'll be followed by further consultations with other bodies, including athletes' representative groups, sponsors and broadcasters.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach is keen for a new date for the Games to be announced as soon as possible and he says Japan are "very confident" in their ability to host next year.
"The agreement is that we want to organise this Olympic Games at the latest in the summer of 2021. That means that this task force can consider the broader picture," Bach told a media conference call yesterday.
"This is not just restricted to the summer months. All the options are on the table before and including the summer 2021.
The German added that following today's discussions, dialogue will be opened with other stakeholders - including athletes, sponsors and broadcasters - with a focus on only having the Olympics and Paralympics when it's safe to do so:
"We have established the principle that we have always been following, and that we will be following in the future, that we will organise a Games only in a safe environment for all the participants.
"Our mission is to organise Olympic Games and to make the Olympic dreams of athletes come true".
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