Olympics: Tokyo shrugs off Beijing factor for 2016 bid

TOKYO - TOKYO unveiled its blueprint for the 2016 Olympics bid on Tuesday, shrugging off doubts the Games can return to Asia so soon after this year's Beijing Olympics.

Tokyo's bid leaders promised an 'urban' Games, with 95 per cent of the Olympic venues located in the centre of the city for maximum comfort and convenience.

'This year's Olympics being in Beijing is not a concern timing-wise,' Tokyo's bid committee chairman Ichiro Kono said.

Tokyo, one of seven cities that submitted applications to the IOC by Monday's deadline, does have a contingency plan to bid for the 2020 Games should they be overlooked.

'Tokyo governor (Shintaro) Ishihara has expressed intent regarding 2020,' said Kono. 'But we have faith that Tokyo can make a strong case for staging the Olympics in 2016.

'We are focusing our energies on that. IOC members will be voting and we believe Tokyo's vision for 2016 is unique in being able to deliver the first truly urbanised Olympic Games.'

Reclaimed land

Tokyo outlined plans for two overlapping venue zones - one built entirely on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay, the other based around Tokyo's Imperial Palace and the iconic venues for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

'Tokyo's bid is ground-breaking in that athletes will live, train, compete and travel within the heart of the city. We think that is a first in Olympic history,' said Kono.

'It will be a compact and green Games with carbon-free transport between venues. It is not just the big picture but the small details which are important and we have a thorough plan.'

Tokyo faces competition from Chicago, Madrid, Doha, Rio de Janeiro, Prague and Baku. The IOC will shortlist five cities in June this year.

'This is an historic day for Tokyo, Japan and the whole Olympic Movement,' said Kono. 'The Tokyo Olympics will provide a lasting legacy for future generations.' -- REUTERS