IOC president praises preparations for Tokyo Olympic 2020

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Wednesday stated that he is impressed with the progress in the preparations of the 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo 2020).

Speaking to more than 200 members of the Tokyo 2020 team, Bach said, "I cannot remember any Olympic city being so advanced as Tokyo is, two years before the Games. This applies to every aspect of the organisation of the Games."

"We see the facilities being delivered, and the volunteer programme making wonderful progress. We see the Japanese athletes as the home team being very successful. We see the great engagement of the business community, and the great engagement of the people and of those in the devastated areas, particularly Fukushima," he said.

Bach also stressed that the IOC will stand with Japan in making the 2020 Summer Olympics a success.

"Delivering successful Olympic Games is a team effort by each of you and all of us. The IOC will stand by your side," he added and closed his remarks.

Meanwhile, the president of the organising committee Tokyo 2020, Yoshiro Mori told his staff, "All the ingredients for successful Olympic Games are in place. We are already more than 2,000 people in three different buildings. The IOC and the world have given us high expectations, and we will deliver."

The 2020 Summer Olympics or Tokyo 2020 will be held from July 24 to August 9, while the Paralympics are slated to take place from August 25 to September 6.