OLYMPICS IN TOKYO

Tokyo has been selected as the host of 2020 Olympics on 8th September at Buenos Aires. In the race, it defeated 2 European cities, Madrid and Istanbul.
Campaign of Madrid was supported by NBA star player Pau Gasol and tennis legend Rafeal Nadal. They both expressed shock and doubted the system which led to elimination of Madrid in the first round. But back home, their campaign was facing stiff opposition by their own countrymen. Spain is facing the heat of slowdown of their economy. Unemployment is as high as 24 per cent. Many a groups protested Government’s claim of hosting the Olympics. People have started to question budget and transfer sums of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. They are upset about the salary that the stars of these clubs are drawing when country is in serious trouble.
Case of Turkey was not different. Turkey has long been tagged as ‘Sick Man of Europe.’ Turkey wants to come out of the shadows and show their presence to the world. But troubles in neighboring country Syria came in their way. It is for sure that in coming days, things will get worse there.
Taking rights of Olympics games is no longer a prestige issue among masses now. People who oppose this mammoth spending are gaining strength. Protestors are doubting validity of these mega events (many are calling it circus, where hosts will gain nothing except infrastructure and a few pages in history books).The minority of opposition is getting more vocal support and is drawing strength from media as well.
Some glaring examples can be studied. Greece got the rights to host 2004 games after 2 previous unsuccessful bids. No doubts, world sentiments were on their side as Greece was the country from where this whole concept took its shape. The country went under heavy financial burden after the games and its effects can still be seen.
Another example is of Brazil. We have seen recently when people filled streets and beaches of Brazil as mark of protest of hosting FIFA confederation cup.
These scenes can’t be thought of when in 2009 Brazil was given rights to host 2016 games. Joy of people got doubled as after 2014 FIFA World Cup, this was the second straight mega event in the country. Back then, Brazilian economy was booming on Sugar cane production. GDP was running high at 9 per cent on ethanol. But, situations are totally different now. Along with Rupee, Real is living in constant pressure and on a slide.
People are opposing extravagant expenses of Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia where budget has reached up to $6.4 billion. Putin is finding it hard to douse down the firing speeches of protestors and is shockingly loosing popularity among the masses.
Amid this entire scenario, IOC was looking for a safe investment. An economy that can withstand tremors of the world for 7 years was sought. Tokyo was thought to be the safest option. Clearly, in current situation, it is a wise decision of IOC.