Up to 10,000 domestic spectators will be allowed to attend events at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games

The decision comes just weeks before the opening ceremony and ends months of speculation about whether spectators will be allowed at the pandemic-postponed Games.

Medical officials have raised concerns that allowing spectators could worsen the spread of infections.

Despite that – a spectator limit will be set at 50 percent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people in all venues.

Foreign spectators has been banned in March.

The decision was announced – following talks between event organisers and government officials.
The Governor of Tokyo says if there is a “dramatic change in the infection situation”, having no spectators in venues is on the cards.

A decision on spectators at the Paralympics will be delayed until July 16, a week before the Olympics open.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 23.

Olympic Games organisers and government officials are meeting today and it’s expected that a final decision will be made – on how many – if any – domestic spectators will be able to attend events at the Summer Olympics, which commence in a month.

Concerns have been raised by medical experts that allowing spectators could worsen the spread of infections

Foreign spectators are banned from attending the games due to health concerns.

The Olympic Organising Comittee will update the general public today on exactly how many local fans will be allowed in the stands

Local media have reported that a 10,000 spectator cap will be set. 

On the weekend, in a move to reduce the risk of COVID spreading, Tokyo’s Governor announced six viewing sites have been scrapped

Members of the public would have been able to watch live broadcasts of events at these locations. 
That will no longer be happening with some instead set to serve as vaccination sites.

There is still considerable opposition in Japan for the Olympic Games going ahead. A new poll shows almost two-thirds of Japan’s public want the event postponed again or cancelled altogether. 

History will be made at the Tokyo Olympics this year, with a transgender New Zealand athlete set to compete.

Meet weightlifter Laurel Hubbard – the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics after being selected by New Zealand for the women’s event at the Tokyo Games.

Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87-kg category, her selection made possible by updated qualifying requirements.

The 43-year-old, will also be the oldest lifter at the Games.

Hubbard had competed in men’s weightlifting competitions before transitioning in 2013.

Hubbard has been eligible to compete at Olympics since 2015, at a time when the International Olympic Committee issued guidelines allowing any transgender athlete to compete as a woman provided their testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 months before their first competition.

The decision is set to fuel the debate over inclusion and fairness in sport.

Though Hubbard has been welcomed into the games, some scientists have stated that the guidelines do little to mitigate the biological advantages of those who have gone through puberty as males, including bone and muscle density.

Advocates for transgender inclusion argue the process of transition decreases that advantage considerably. They say that physical differences between athletes mean there is never a truly level playing field.

The New Zealand government shown its support

The New Zealand Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson says the government supports Hubbard’s selection to compete in the games.

Tokyo Olympics creeps closer

The Tokyo Olympics will start on Friday July 23 2021 after being postponed due to coronavirus.

There has been concern over the safety of the games, with many stating the event should be canceled entirely.