Tokyo Olympics: attendance to be slashed at opening ceremony

Covid pandemic means only a limited number of VIPs will be allowed in 68,000-seat stadium

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The coronavirus pandemic is forcing organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to restrict attendance at the Games' opening ceremony to a limited number of VIPs, Japanese media have reported.

The curtain-raiser at the 68,000-seat main stadium on 23 July will be watched only by people connected to sponsors, along with diplomats and other special guests, with the number sharply reduced from an initial estimate of 10,000, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said on Tuesday, citing multiple unidentified sources.