On the Scene - Wrestling Venue Visit Could Prove Awkward for IOC, Tokyo

(ATR) Wrestling gold medalists will pitch the IOC on a 2020 Olympics in Tokyo today – even though the Games may not include their sport.

Hitomi Obara, women’s 48-kg champion from London 2012, and Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu, men’s 66-kg champ, are two of the athletes Tokyo 2020 will parade before the IOC Evaluation Commission during an afternoon tour of Tokyo Big Sight.

The sprawling exhibition center is proposed for fencing, taekwondo and – sure to be awkward – wrestling if the sport is reinstated following its recent snub from the IOC Executive Board.

Japan could play the visit safe – or leverage the opportunity for some early lobbying as the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles prepares for a March 7 meeting with IOC leadership in Lausanne.

Infrastructure Improvements "Not for the Olympics"

Tops on the morning agenda for the penultimate day of the IOC inspection were presentations on accommodation, transportation and media.

Among the duties with another three venue visits.

speakers was Professor Takayuki Kishii, who addressed "leveraging the world-class infrastructure" of Tokyo, as his later press briefing was billed.

"In terms of air, public and road transport networks, Tokyo has sufficient capacity to guarantee safe, stable operation," said Kishii, who teaches in the Department of Civil Engineering at Nihon University.

Asked byAround the Ringswhether Tokyo could host the Games today without any infrastructure improvements, he admitted that wasn't necessarily the case but said the city's long-term infrastructure plans will be realized "irrespective" of the bid.

"It’s not for the Olympics," insisted Kishii, who also serves as the Director of the Japan Transportation Planning Association.

"These plans are already in place."

On the Agenda

After lunch, the Evaluation Commission will resume its inspection

On tap Wednesday are Seaside Park Hockey Stadium, Kasai Slalom Course and, of course, Tokyo Big Sight.

Members of the media will also tour Big Sight, a stop that should hold particular interest given its dual use as the International Broadcast Center and Main Press Center for the Games.

While the day ends early for reporters with a 5:30 p.m. briefing on media operations and 6 p.m. press conference with bid leaders, the IOC parties at Akasaka Palace.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make his second appearance so far as Tokyo 2020 hosts its official gala dinner, scheduled for 7 to 9:30 p.m.

As with the rest of the week, Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose will also feature in this evening’s program.

Reported from Tokyo by Matthew Grayson

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