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Japan geared up to tackle Olympic heat

Japan’s Rei Ohara reacts after finishing third in the women’s race of the Marathon Grand Championship, which is also the marathon test event for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo on September 15, 2019. (AFP)
Japan’s Rei Ohara reacts after finishing third in the women’s race of the Marathon Grand Championship, which is also the marathon test event for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo on September 15, 2019. (AFP)
24 Oct 2019 09:10:09 GMT9
24 Oct 2019 09:10:09 GMT9

Clareto Monsorate

Dubai

The IAAF World Athletics Championships, which recently concluded in Qatar, received heavy criticism from athletes for the timing of the event, which coincided with the peak summer months.

Despite the bulk of the competition being held at the fully air-conditioned Khalifa Stadium, the marathon runners had to face sweltering heat and humidity, with many athletes being stretchered off after collapsing.

Attention now turns to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The event will be held from July 24 to Aug. 9, which is the peak of Japan’s scorching summer season.

Athletes may have concerns about participating in the games, but they have been assured that the tech-savvy country is prepared to handle the situation.

Akima Umezawa, consul-general of Japan to the UAE, spoke to Arab News about the weather concerns.

“For the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan will take the most sophisticated measures in an environmentally friendly manner to ensure that athletes, spectators and staff will not suffer from the hot and humid weather.

“Japan has already constructed sun-shade spaces, outdoor coolers, mist air machines, thermal barrier pavements and fans. Visitors will also benefit from free hats.

“The organizers will also provide vital information on weather conditions to foreign visitors through its official websites.”

In addition, he said, Japan will deploy these services around the clock in all necessary areas. Umezawa added that there will be first aid patrols to deal with heat strokes.

“Mobile medical staff service, ambulances and effective rest spaces with sufficient water supply stations will be provided,” he confirmed.

The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will start outdoor events in the early mornings or late evenings.

The marathon will start at 6 a.m. while the track and field events will be held from 7 p.m.

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