Just Like Tokyo 2020, Paralympic Games to Hold Without Fans

Spectators will not be allowed at the Tokyo Paralympic Games because of the city’s ongoing struggle with coronavirus, organisers announced yesterday.

The Japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country’s state of emergency, with the Paralympics beginning on 24 August.

“We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games,” organisers said in a statement.

As well as stadiums, fans were also requested not to attend road events.

Organisers confirmed spectators would not be allowed at events in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Shizuoka because of infection rates in those regions.

School children will still be allowed to attend at the request of local authorities or school administrators.

Fans were barred from venues in the capital for the Olympics, with events held in some other regions allowed up to 50% capacity.

“We sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues,” the statement continued.

“We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home.”

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes arrived in Kisarazu, Japan, the venue of their training camp before departing for Tokyo on Sunday.

Nigeria is to participate in four events at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The events include; Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis and Para Rowing.

Nigeria had her most successful outing at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, finishing as Africa’s best team and 17th overall in the world on the medals table with 8 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.