The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have been rescheduled to take place between 24 August and 5 September 2021.
The dates were confirmed on Monday (30 March) by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
This decision was taken under three main considerations:
- To protect the health of the athletes and everyone involved and to support the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
- To safeguard the interests of the athletes and of Olympic and Paralympic sport.
- The global international sports calendar.
These new dates give health authorities and all involved in the organisation of the Games the maximum time to deal with the constantly changing landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also minimise any disruption that the postponement will cause to the international sports calendar. Additionally, they will provide sufficient time to finish the qualification process. The same heat mitigation measures as planned for 2020 will be implemented.
“It is fantastic news that we could find new dates so quickly for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world.” Andrew Parsons, IPC President.
“In consideration of the global coronavirus outbreak, we need a certain timeframe before we fully prepare for the delivery of a Games that is safe and secure for the athletes and spectators.” said Koike Yuriko, The Governor of Tokyo.
“The preparation for the new dates will go smoothly as the dates match with the same timeframe as the original competition dates corresponding with ticketing, venue staffing, volunteers and transport.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games will run from 23 July to 8 August 2021.
