Japan welcomes positive evaluation by IOC

Japan has welcomed a "strong evaluation report" from the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) Evaluation Commission on Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games.

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and president of Tokyo 2020 as well as the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), Tuesday said: "We are proud that the report confirms our bid's very strong technical excellence, which offers certainty in uncertain times for sport."

Takeda's comments came after Japan got a positive response from the IOC on its bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, reports Xinhua.

The report, which is a technical assessment of the 14 themes included in the Bid Candidature File following the Commission's visit to Tokyo in March 2013, has confirmed that Tokyo 2020 is capable of hosting an excellent Games.

"There can be no doubt that we will deliver and offer the IOC a strong partnership," said Takeda.

Naoki Inose, governor of Tokyo also welcomed the report and said: "I am extremely happy to learn that Tokyo's compact venue plan, quick and reliable transportation system, first-class accommodation, strong financial base, solid security system, and strong hosting ability were rated high by the Evaluation Commission members."

"Between now and the announcement of the Host City decision at the IOC General Assembly in September, Tokyo will continue to give our all to the bid in order to realize our goal of hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games which inspires the world," Inose said.

The IOC will elect the 2020 host city at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sep 7.