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Wednesday, 19th June 2013
In General Japan News,
Tokyo highlights 'safety' of city in Olympic bid
Tokyo 2020 bid committee has promised to host a "superb Games that will ensure the athletes shine".
The pledge was made during the Association of National Olympic Committee's general assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland.
According to the committee, Tokyo can offer "an incredible city-centre celebration" in "one of the world's most safe and secure cities".
There was also the suggestion that empty seats would not be an issue during the Games if Tokyo were to host it, thanks to so-called "innovative ticketing technology".
Tokyo is bidding against Istanbul and Madrid to become the host city and there are just 80 days left until the winner is announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on September 7th, in Beunos Aires, Argentina.
Tsunekazu Takeda, president of Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Olympic Committee, said: "The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the heart of Tokyo will have a spirit of celebration and passion that will be unforgettable for athletes and fans across the world."
Former Olympian and Japanese female gymnast, Rie Tanaka, suggested that the facilities available at Tokyo's Olympic Village would allow athletes to "compete at their very best".
It appears that the IOC may have some reservations about Istanbul as a host city due to the current anti-government protests. The New York Times reported Dick Pound, IOC member from Canada, writing in an email: "It is potentially a pity, since my impression, from what I hear, is that the 2020 race may be Istanbul's to lose."
There is still faith in Istanbul that the city's fifth bid to host the Games may at last be successful. The publication quoted Hasan Arat, the chairman of Istanbul's bidding committee, as saying: "I believe in the young people of Turkey; I believe so much. We will be stronger than before after these things finish with the peaceful solution."
Meanwhile, the Spanish parliament has passed new anti-doping legislation which the country suggests may help in its bid to become the host city.
Miguel Cardenal, Spain's secretary of state for sport, said: "[The law] strengthens the Madrid 2020 bid. Doping is no longer on the agenda as a concern for Madrid's candidacy."
Written by Mark Smith
Inside Japan UK office
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