olympics

The North's sports ministry said its athletes had to be protected from the “world public health crisis” of COVID-19

Local organizers and the IOC hope the relay will turn public opinion in Japan in favor of the Games

Experts are divided on whether staying away will work

The IOC supremo is looking forward to "a very meaningful and very successful Olympic Games" despite the threat of COVID-19

They are still set to begin in about four months, on July 24

“I want to hold the Olympics and Paralympics perfectly, as proof that the human race will conquer the new coronavirus," Abe told reporters