World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has claimed he does not believe there is a huge risk posed by the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, stressing the stringent measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Coe made the comment during an interview with CNBC, ahead of this month’s Games which are set to open on July 23.
He was questioned about fears held by the Japanese public that the Olympics could become a "super-spreader" event, with Japanese Emperor Naruhito reportedly among those concerned.
Coe, who led the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, said experts have given confidence that the event can take place safely.
The World Athletics President highlighted that 70 per cent of athletes would have only this one opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games.
"I am not sure there is a huge risk attached to this," Coe told CNBC.
"The people whose judgement I really value in this are the health and safety teams we work alongside, the World Health Organization, and those experts we have relied upon and not let us down in this process.
"Of course I understand that people are nervous, this does not surprise me.
"The polling in Japan has shown that people are beginning to soften a bit.
"I do think they realise that the protocols in place are very, very stringent.
"It is important for us to continually explain the thousands of hours that have gone into figuring this out and making sure the safety of athletes and the public is paramount.
"I think these Games are worth fighting for."
The IOC and Tokyo 2020 organisers have insisted rules in the playbooks will help to keep the Games safe and secure.
The measures include a reduction in the number of accredited officials and banning visits to tourist areas.
Everyone coming from overseas will be required to adhere to measures outlined in the playbooks, along with local officials.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper last month found 50 per cent of respondents to a poll are in favour of the Games taking place, with 48 per cent wanting the event to be cancelled.
The poll represented a boost in public support for Tokyo 2020 as opposition towards the Games has been high in recent months.
Coe also acknowledged there were financial incentives for sporting organisations in ensuring the Games take place.
The four-time Olympic medallist said the commercial and broadcast revenues were important to helping fund sport, citing the need to funnel money back into the grassroots.
The IOC member has been vocal in recent months over the need to highlight measures being taken to ensure the Games can be held safely.
Coe said in May that he had been reassured over the safety of the Games after he visited both Sapporo and Tokyo for test events.
The Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8, followed by the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5.