The International Olympic Committee announced that Tokyo, Japan has been chosen to host the 2020 Summer Games, the world’s most prestigious sports events.
The announcement was made after the voting on Saturday in Buenos Aires, the committe picked Tokyo over the other contenders, Madrid and Istanbul. The announcement came at 5:20 AM Tokyo time, with a crowd watching on an outdoor video burst into cheers.
The last time Tokyo hosted the Summer Games was way back the year 1964, it will be the second time for the country to host the Olympics. During the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the Philippines won its first Olympic silver medal through the effort of boxer Anthony Villanueva.
According to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Tokyo Games is their way of thanking the world for its support after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan.
US President Barrack Obama also made a congratulatory message to Japan for its successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and the Paralympic Games.
Statement by White House Press Secretary:
“On behalf of President Obama and the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the city of Tokyo, and our close ally Japan, on its selection as host of the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.”