Japan Establishes New Sports Agency To Coordinate Administration Of 2020 Games

The Japanese government on Thursday established a national sports agency to "coordinate administration ahead of the 2020 Games," naming 1988 Seoul Olympic 100m backstroke Gold Medalist Daichi Suzuki as its head, according to Andrew McKirdy of the JAPAN TIMES. The body will be charged with a "range of duties, including looking after the general health of the population, improving the nation's sporting success and sending coaches overseas to gain expertise." Suzuki believes the launch of the new agency "can help lift the gloom surrounding Tokyo's preparations for the 2020 Olympics." But he must also deal with a "series of mishaps which have plagued preparations for the 2020 Olympics." Suzuki: "It's a new month and I believe that we can move in a new direction. The important thing is to listen to everyone involved." The sports agency will have a staff of around 120 and will comprise five divisions (JAPAN TIMES, 10/1).