In an interesting turn of events, North Korea decided to withdraw from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, citing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidentally, it is also the first and only team so far to do the same.
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A couple of months back, the North Korean sports ministry announced that it was looking to pull out “to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by COVID-19.” It would be the first time since Seoul 1988 that the nation has decided to skip the global event.
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North Korea is currently under lockdown, as it struggles to contain the virus spread. Meanwhile, South Korean experts say that Pyongyang is using the pandemic as a measure to prolong draconian limitations on the population.
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The nation’s decision to withdraw from the Olympics has suggested that its lockdown is not ending anytime soon. Furthermore, the decision is also being politicised, with Washington’s Director of the Korea Program, Jean Lee, stating on Twitter, “This seems as much a political decision designed to snubpressure Tokyo & Seoul as much as it is a public health concern.”
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Earlier, South Korea was willing to use Tokyo Games to strengthen sports diplomacy between the two countries. While talks regarding the same have been stalled for more than a year, with Moon Jae-in’s (South Korean President) tenure at the office coming to an end within a year, he is willing to resume the talks again.
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Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee is looking to redistribute the slots among the other sides, reserved for North Korea. Although North Korea is yet to announce its withdrawal decision officially, the IOC has already begun the process. The athletes need to be informed beforehand about their preparations, reports ANI.NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
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