SYDNEY – The entire Olympic movement is united in its determination to ensure the Tokyo Games happen this summer, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said in a video message to mark the six-month countdown to the opening ceremony.

Six months shy of the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, there has been considerable speculation as to whether the Games will be held, or if they will be canceled for a second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports cited an anonymous source within the Japanese government as stating that it will be impossible for the Olympics to be held this summer. However, that statement has been widely refuted, including by a formal statement from the Japanese government.

The Japanese Government has denied reports that this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo will be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Bach says ‘no reason’ Games will not open on time in July.
• Pound suggests the Olympics could go ahead with no fans.