THE fate of the Tokyo Olympics hangs in the balance due to the Covid-19 pandemic as a two-day teleconference meeting of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) gets under way today (Tuesday).

With sporting events being cancelled around the world, all eyes are now on the Tokyo Olympics, set to take place in 19 weeks' time, as the IOC holds virus crisis talks today in a mass teleconference to be held today and Wednesday.

Yesterday, the IOC ruled out holding the Olympic Games behind closed doors while on Friday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged that the Games would go ahead as planned. That position has been backed by IOC chief Thomas Bach to date.

However, the Covid-19 situation is now causing considerable qualification headaches for the organisers of the iconic Games. The qualification difficulties are among the issues to be discussed at this week's IOC conference meeting.

For the first time, Ireland has three equestrian teams qualified for the Olympics in eventing, dressage and show jumping.

Meanwhile, sport is at a standstill in Japan, a country which has seen relatively few Covid-19 cases with 814 positive cases and 24 fatalities. The Japanese authorities have repeatedly said they can meet any challenge posed by Covid-19.

Kentucky cancelled

Meanwhile, for the first time in its 42-year history, the iconic Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event has been cancelled due to virus fears.

Equestrian Events Inc (EEI) announced the cancellation of this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian™ and Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The events had been scheduled for April 23rd-26th at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

“This marks the first cancellation in the event’s 42-year history, but the worldwide health crisis and concerns about the spread of COVID-19 make this the only decision possible,” said Lee Carter, EEI executive director. “This is incredibly disappointing to everyone on so many levels, but the health and well-being of everyone—spectators, volunteers, athletes, staff and officials—is our number one priority and given the current situation, there really is no choice."

“Sporting events and large public gatherings are being called off all across the country and it is with deep regret, and with the highest concern for all our patrons, that we take this step,” said Mike Cooper, EEI president. “With the recommendation by the CDC to cancel or postpone events with guests for the next eight weeks, it became apparent that this was the only acceptable course of action.”

Refund options for ticket holders will be announced soon.