Seiko Hashimoto, Japan’s Olympic minister said the Tokyo 2020 Games could be postponed     1     the summer until later in the year amid fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

In     2     (respond) to a question in Japan’s parliament, Seiko Hashimoto said, “Tokyo’s contract with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) calls for the Games     3     (hold) within 2020." She added," That could be interpreted as allowing a postponement ——       4    approach to the problem." The Games are due from 24 July to 9 August. "We are doing all we can to ensure that the Games go ahead as     5     (plan)." Hashimoto added.

Under the hosting agreement, the right to cancel the Games     6     (remain) with the IOC. IOC president Thomas Bach says his organization is still very confident with regard to the success of the Games in Tokyo. "I would like to encourage all the athletes to continue their preparations    7    (confident), and I also hold the belief that , either cancelled   or postponed, the Games will become     8    (well) after going through all the challenges." added the president. Since the coronavirus broke out, a number of high-profile sporting events    9    including the World Indoor Athletics Championships and the Chinese Grand Prix,     10     was scheduled for 19 April.