Tokyo Olympics will start next year in the same time slot scheduled for this year’s games.

Tokyo organisers said on Monday the opening ceremony will commence on July 23, 2021 due to the developing health situation globally..

“The schedule for the games is key to preparing for the games,” Tokyo organising committee president Yoshiro Mori said. “This will only accelerate our progress.”

The new dates will clash with the scheduled world championships in track and swimming, but those events are also expected to be pushed back.