Tokyo Olympics Organizers Considering July 2021 for Opening Ceremony

The 2020 Summer Games, postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, would start July 23, 2021, under a plan organizers are considering. LONDON — The Summer Olympics in Tokyo, postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, will likely open on July 23, 2021, according to people familiar with the matter. The International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers bowed to widespread pressure among athletes, sports federations and national Olympic committees and on Tuesday agreed to postpone the Games to 2021 but left the new date in question. The opening ceremony of the Games had been scheduled for July 24.

The I. O. C. said a final decision could come in weeks, but it is now much more likely to be announced earlier, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of guidance issued by the I.

O. C. The Japanese state broadcaster NHK on Saturday also reported the July 23, 2021, date as the new target. The I.

O. C. will convene an emergency meeting of its decision-making executive board on Sunday to discuss the decision. Mark Adams, a spokesman for the organization, gave a one-word answer, “speculation,” when asked about the new date on Saturday.

The decision to pick an almost identical date to this year’s event is not particularly surprising, given the challenges to squeeze the Olympics in an already packed sporting calendar. It also is the best time for the U. S. broadcaster, NBCUniversal, which pays more than $1 billion for the U.

S. media rights to each Olympic Games. But it means the Games will still take place during Tokyo’s hottest time of the year, an issue that was already causing worry and complications. The Olympic marathon was moved to a northern, cooler city after an outcry, and organizers had planned several steps to try to keep fans and competitors cool.

On a call within the past week with Thomas Bach, the I. O. C.