31 Mar 2022

The NNOC has pleasure in sharing with you the latest information from the IOC with regards to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.Kindly share the informationwith your clubs and athletes to ensure they, especially the coaches and athletes get the correct information.

New dates of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad

The IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee have confirmed that the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be celebrated from the 23 July to the 8 August 2021.

Revised qualification systems and timelines

Confirmation of gained qualification places:

We can reconfirm that athletes/NOCs that have already gained an Olympic qualification quota place will retain this despite the postponement of the Games.

Finalisation of the revised qualification systems by sport:

The IOC will continue to work closely with each IF on the necessary revisions of the Tokyo 2020 qualification systems. The IOC will confirm those to the NOCs shortly.

To facilitate these adaptations, and reflecting the postponement of the Games, the IOC is making the necessary modifications to the qualification system principles to include, for example, the relaxation of the maximum two-year period and amendments to the qualification deadlines.

Suspension of Olympic qualification events:

The IOC greatly appreciate the fact that all IFs have suspended their Olympic qualification events. This is important in terms of recognising the extraordinary challenges so many athletes are now facing with their training and preparations, as well as their own personal circumstances.No further qualification events will be scheduled unless they can guarantee fair access and fair and appropriate preparation for the competing athletes and teams. The IOC has therefore asked IFs to urge real caution in confirming any upcoming qualification events in their respective calendars until the COVID-19 impacts can be assessed and restrictions reduced, with athlete health and considerations being our guiding principles.

With the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 until July 2021, the IOC has removed the pressure regarding the need to immediately reschedule the remaining qualification events, and they will take the necessary time and be prudent in the rescheduling of these events with the relevant IFs.

Revised Tokyo 2020 operational planning

NOC payments to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee: Due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020, there has been an initial review of the NOC payment schedule and deadlines vis-à-vis the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee. All deadlines currently scheduled for upcoming payments to Tokyo 2020, including, for example, ticketing, rate cards and accommodation, have been suspended until further notice. New NOC Payments timelines will be developed now that the Games’ dates have been confirmed. Tokyo 2020 will also aim to clarify how payments already made by stakeholders can be handled; for example in terms of what can be transferred to the equivalent bookings for the new Games period in 2021, what can be refunded and what is no longer be available.

Accreditation and SEQ timelines:

The Tokyo 2020 Accreditation system is now in read-only. New timelines will be confirmed shortly by Tokyo 2020 but should largely mirror the equivalent original dates set for 2020.

Tokyo 2020 test events:

Tokyo 2020 has confirmed that all test events that were scheduled to take place from April 2020 onwards have been postponed. The rescheduling of the tests event and / or testing activities will be discussed with each IF now that the new Games dates have been confirmed.

Olympic Solidarity Support

As a principle, and following consultation with the Olympic Solidarity Chairman, all Olympic Solidarity programmes related to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad will be extended into 2021. As such, Olympic Solidarity can already confirm the extension into 2021 of the following programmes: “Olympic Scholarships for Athletes Tokyo 2020”, “Team Support Grants”, “Refugee Athlete Support” and the “Olympic Games Subsidies”.
Additional information will be provided by Olympic Solidarity on the details relating to these programmes and the perspectives of the 2021 – 2024 plan.

Athlete Engagement

We know that many of you have focused on information and support for your athletes through this incredibly challenging period for them. Equally the IOC continues to update the Athlete365 platform with the latest information and resources on COVID-19. Recent updates include advice on training and preparations, mental and physical health as well as anti-doping information and updates WADA and the ITA. We will continue to use Athlete365 as a central source of information and resources for athletes.

The IOC Athletes’ Commission members will also continue to liaise closely with our athlete representative to share feedback, questions and concerns. This feedback is very valuable to ensure that in partnership with you, we provide athletes with the best possible support in these exceptional circumstances.