THE start of the Tokyo Olympic torch`s journey in Fukushima on Thursday, after a delay of one year because of the coronavirus pandemic, is a ray of hope for many athletes and people around the world. The Olympic organisers were making final preparations for the relay last year when the emergence of the virus led to the postponement of the Games, as sporting events around the world came to a halt. Though the pandemic is still quite severe in the region despite strict safety protocols and vaccine roll-outs, the advent of the torch relay demonstrates Japan`s unwavering determination to host the Olympic Games in the face of global adversity. The opening ceremony for the Tokyo Games is scheduled to be held on July 23 and carrying the torch safely across the country will assure the world that the Olympics can indeed be held in a secure environment.

Having said that, there are millions who continue to have their doubts. They have serious reservations about how the mega event got underway in an environment where the risk of infection is high; they fear further delay if matters spiral out of control due to the pandemic. Overseas spectators have been barred from the Games while the organisers are still debating the issue of how many people can be safely allowed at the Olympics venue and whether limits can be imposed on domestic fans for the events. As for the athletes set to participate, the idea of competing in near-empty stadiums for an extravaganza that can catapult them to historic fame is indeed a depressing thought. It is a strange turn of events: they want to prove their mettle to the world and yet will have no friends or family to share their moment of glory with. Still, holding the Tokyo Olympics this year can serve as a much-needed step towards restoring the world`s confidence in the belief that there is no feat is beyond human endeavour and that we will all get used to the `new normal`.