Hundreds of Japanese cities that registered to host overseas athletes for training camps ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics remain under a cloud of uncertainty about the impact the novel coronavirus pandemic will have on their plans.
The northeastern city of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, has been preparing to welcome Thailand's national boxing team and help its members get into top shape for about two weeks before they are to compete in the Summer Games, set to open in July after a one-year postponement.
As the team's "host town," officials and the boxing community in the city have also considered the Tokyo Olympics a chance to promote international exchanges with Thailand and grow the sport locally.