Photo: University of Canterbury
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games opening ceremony took place overnight Friday, kicking off a games that has faced countless challenges amid a global pandemic.
Not only are there strict Covid-19 rules in place and spectators banned, but weather forecasters predict these could be the hottest Olympics to date. On top of that, they are looking likely to be the most expensive summer games ever, with government audits over the past few years suggesting the final cost will be around NZ$35.8 billion.
Professor Ian Culpan, co-director of the NZ Centre for Olympic Studies, says it's astonishing the games are going ahead. He believes the decision goes against the International Olympic Committee’s code of ethics, and counters the reason the games actually exist.
A police officer is seen in the empty stands ahead of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP
