Minister: Cancelling Tokyo Olympics is unthinkable

In this Sept. 11, 2019, file photo, then newly appointed Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Seiko Hashimoto speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo. -AP

TOKYO: Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is “inconceivable”, Japan’s Olympic minister said , as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

“From the viewpoint of athletes who are the main protagonists in the Tokyo Games, as they are making adjustments and preparations for this once-in-four-years event ... it is inconceivable to cancel or postpone,” Seiko Hashimoto told a Parliament committee.