Tokyo Olympics: Big setback for organisers as this nation pulls out citing health safety

North Korea has reportedly pulled out of Tokyo 2021 games

Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a big setback for the Tokyo Olympics organizers North Korea has decided to pull out of this year’s Summer games citing health safety issues for its athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the official version of North Korean authorities, the Olympic committee in the country had a meeting on March 25 where it took this big decision. Sports Minister of the country Kim Il Guk was also present at the meeting.

“The committee decided not to join the 32nd Olympics Games to protect athletes from the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus,” the official statement read.

This decision comes despite the country’s regime claiming that the country has been without any COVID cases. However, experts believe that the real condition in the country may be quite bad as North Korea does not have a very effective healthcare system.

Reactions have already started coming in from various quarters. South Korea has expressed regret over the decision of their neighbours while Japanese Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa told media that he is waiting for more details and an official communication.