Tokyo Games a ‘beacon of hope’, says Olympic president on Hiroshima visit

Thomas Bach visits Hiroshima memorial to mark start of Olympic truce, but protesters say ‘go home!’

Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, has said the Tokyo Games will be a “beacon of hope” for peace during a visit to Hiroshima, as coronavirus cases in Tokyo exceeded 1,000 for a third straight day.

Bach, whose trip to Hiroshima was opposed by some people, laid a wreath and observed a minute’s silence in the rain in front of a cenotaph honouring the victims of the attack. He later met an 82-year-old survivor of the bombing.

Related: Thomas Bach promises ‘safe and secure’ Olympics as Tokyo Covid cases soar

Continue reading...