Olympic Games Can Be A Beacon Of Hope In The Fight Against COVID-19, Says Naomi Osaka - UBITENNIS

Olympic Games Can Be A Beacon Of Hope In The Fight Against COVID-19, Says Naomi Osaka

The former world No.1 has pledged her full backing behind the event amid ongoing concerns about if it will be able to take place in Tokyo.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read

Two-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka believes next year’s Olympic Games could be a ‘massive celebration for the world’ as she reiterates her commitment to take part.

The four-year sporting event was scheduled to get underway this summer, but has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Making it the first time an Olympic Games have been delayed in its 124-year history. Osaka had been one of the main athletes used to promote the Tokyo event. Featuring in various promotional campaigns and adverts.

Despite having to wait another year to have a shot of winning a gold medal, the 22-year-old doesn’t think it will have much of an impact on her preparations compared to other sports. Describing the decision to suspend the Games by another year as ‘the better of the entire world.’ More than 200,000 people have died from COVID-19 since the outbreak.

“Like most athletes that had been training I was disappointed at first but when you realise the postponement is for the better of the entire world you know the game can wait, we will come together in 2021 and be ready,” Osaka told Reuters.
“I actually have a lot of sympathy for athletes, like track athletes, who work for four years and plan to peak at that exact time … Now their schedule is probably in turmoil.
“Tennis is a little bit different so I shouldn’t have to alter my preparations too much.”

There are however still concerns about if the event will take place at all in Tokyo. Earlier this week Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe gave a stark warning in which he said the Games could be cancelled if the outbreak isn’t contained by next year. The chief of Tokyo 2020, Yoshiro Mori, has already said that if it doesn’t go ahead in 2021 it will be scrapped. Should that happen, it would be the first Olympic cancellation since 1944.

“I know so many people (including close friends) that have worked so hard on the Games, and I know how difficult this has been for people in Japan as well … So it has been tough,” Osaka commented.
“But of course it is the right decision, which has my full backing. I’m really hopeful that the Olympics will now be a massive celebration for the world at the other end of this pandemic.”

At present Osaka is spending lockdown in Los Angeles and is relishing her time away from the sport, as well as a break from the notorious hectic travel requirements of tennis players. Unable to practice on a tennis court, the world No.10 has is exploring other ways to keep fit.

“I haven’t been able to play tennis, however, I have been speaking to my coach and fitness trainer daily and finding ways to keep my body fit and ready for when the tour resumes,” she explained.
“It’s a new normal but I am adjusting.”

The 2021 Olympic Games are scheduled to be held between 23rd July – 8th August.

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