The status of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo is changing rapidly — especially after the Canadian Olympic Committee announced it won’t participate if the Games are held this year — and questions remain about the status of upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Canada Basketball issued a statement on Monday, expressing support for its Olympic committee’s decision and acknowledging the ‘likely postponement’ of the men’s basketball OQT that is scheduled to be held in Victoria from June 23-28.
“The tournament will only be held at a time when the health and safety of all athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, volunteers and spectators can be ensured,” the statement reads.
“At this time, there is no further information available regarding the tournament and to speculate on potential changes at this point would be counterproductive.”
Canada Basketball’s statement followed a message from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Monday, which acknowledged the OQTs that remained — and a need for answers.
“We understand that, as the qualification process has been completed only for women’s basketball and there are no less than six Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (two for 3-on-3 basketball and four for men’s basketball) still to be played, there is a growing need for answers to be provided quickly,” the federation said in its statement.
“FIBA’s position remains that any decision in that regard must ensure that it provides safe conditions of participation for our players, coaches and officials.”
On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee announced a four-week deadline for a decision on a potential postponement of the 2020 Games.
Hours later, the Canadian Olympic Committee and its Paralympic Committee said they will not send athletes to Tokyo unless the Games are postponed by a year.
The Canadian women’s basketball team clinched an Olympic berth in February. The men’s team needs to win its OQT in order to qualify.
“Needless to say, we will keep you abreast of any developments in this rapidly changing landscape,” the FIBA statement reads. “Basketball games will be back and the basketball community will emerge stronger from this. But for now, please do everything you can to keep yourselves, your families and your communities safe.”
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