Oct 06, 2023 (NHK) - Sources say the northern Japanese city of Sapporo has decided to give up its bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. They say instead, the city intends to aim to host the Games in 2034 or later.
The sources say the city cites difficulty in building understanding for its bid among residents, as its promotional campaign has been limited.
The city suspended efforts to build momentum for its bid in December last year, following corruption and bid-rigging scandals linked to the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021.
The city has since been reviewing costs and management systems for the 2030 Games as part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness.
Mayor Akimoto Katsuhiro is expected to convey the city's plans to Japanese Olympic Committee President Yamashita Yasuhiro during a meeting as early as next week.
Yamashita has already expressed his intention to consider bidding for the Winter Games in 2034 or later, acknowledging it would be extremely difficult to win the rights to the 2030 Games.
The International Olympic Committee says at least six parties are interested in hosting the 2030 Games.
They include Sapporo, Salt Lake City, Sweden, France and Switzerland, which is open to hosting the Games in 2030 or later. ...continue reading
