IOC Backs Daylight Savings To Ease Tokyo 2020 Heat Fears

The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday backed calls by Japanese organisers to implement daylight savings time at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as concerns mount over athlete safety in soaring temperatures.

Tokyo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2018 ) :The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday backed calls by Japanese organisers to implement daylight savings time at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as concerns mount over athlete safety in soaring temperatures.

The IOC coordination commission chief John Coates gave an unequivocal answer when asked if he supported an appeal made to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last month following a deadly summer heatwave across the country.

"Yes -- we've observed the discussions that are happening in this country," Coates told a news conference.

"We've paid a lot of attention to heat, primarily on athletes but also on spectators," he added after pleas to stage the events, particularly the marathon, in cooler hours.

"We know the marathon and those events are already starting early in the morning. But we certainly see the potential -- with the sun coming up at 4.40am -- for daylight savings."At least 120 people perished as a result of the blistering heat this summer and with the 2020 Olympics being held in late July and early August -- Japan's hottest time of year -- there are fears that athletes and fans could be at risk.