Influential Olympics official John Coates praised Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday for his work in getting Tokyo ready for the now delayed 2020 Olympic Games and said he was personally disappointed to see him forced to step down.
Abe, 65, announced his resignation due to poor health on Friday.
Australia’s Coates heads up the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Games, which were postponed until 2021 because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is disappointing news from a professional and personal perspective,” Coates said in a statement.
“With his government’s firm commitment, the Tokyo Olympic Games Organising Committee’s readiness to host the Olympic Games was quite extraordinary. Japan was ready, but due to COVID we now look to next year.
“His support has been enormous.”
Abe was also praised by the IOC and International Paralympic Committee.
More Stories
India Beat South Africa By 16 Runs To Clinch T20 Series
Perez Wins In Singapore As Verstappen Title Celebrations On Ice
Haaland, Foden Hat-Tricks As Dazzling City Humble United
Stampede, Riot At Indonesia Football Match Kill 174, League Suspended
How A Deadly Crush At An Indonesia Soccer Match Unfolded
Man Utd Facing City, Not Just Haaland – Ten Hag
Guardiola Says City Have ‘Strategy’ In place If He Leaves
Mbappe To The Rescue As PSG Reclaim Ligue 1 Top Spot
Hamilton Let Off For Jewellery Ban Breach
Russia Slams Idea Of Making Athletes Condemn War In Order To Compete
Chalobah Sees Red As Newcastle Thrash Fulham
Gallagher Breaks Palace Hearts To Earn Chelsea Win