Upbeat Tokyo bid chief promises surprises

COPENHAGEN — Many may be discounting Tokyo's chances of hosting their second Olympics by winning Friday's vote for the 2016 Games but that is not the opinion of bid chief Dr Ichiro Kono.

Indeed the highly respected medical expert and crusader against drugs in sport promised his team would produce some surprises when they make their final presentation to the 100-plus International Olympic Committee (IOC) members here.

Kono, who was three times the chief medical officer for the Japanese team at Olympic Games and was also involved in an administrative capacity at two rugby World Cups, said that Tokyo offered a lot more than their three rivals - odds-on favourites Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and rank outsiders Madrid.

"It would be the most watched Olympic Games with four billion people watching on television," said Kono on Thursday.

"We could guarantee total financial security in what are tough times fiscally and we already have four billion dollars in the bank.

"Our Games would be a showcase to the world of how to resolve the world's problems.

"It is a very strong proposal."

Aki Taguchi, a Paralympic shooter, said that Tokyo was the most understanding of the cities with regard to handicapped people.

"I strongly believe that this would be an incredible and transforming event," she said.

"This would be a legacy for a more inclusive society. It would set new standards for the IOC as Tokyo is the most accessible city in the world for disabled people.

"We stand here with open arms in partnership to increase the world's understanding of disabled people."

Enigmatic and maverick Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara banged away with his favourite bugbear -- the damning state of the environment.

He stunned fellow bid members on Wednesday when he predicted that the world as we know it could end in 65 years time - the rest of the team have been saying that they planned to leave a legacy that would last for at least the remainder of the century.

However, the award-winning novelist said that their bid also fulfilled one of the main aims of IOC President Jacques Rogge.

"It is the moment of truth," said the 77-year-old former Minister for Transport and Governor since 1999.

"We have done our utmost efforts. The strongest pillar of it is found in President Rogge's comment that the Games are for athletes. We have the best conditions for athletes."

Kono, though, said that Friday's decision was not simply about the bid team and the people of Tokyo but for the whole Japanese nation.

"Let there be no mistake. This has been a monumental effort by tens of thousands of Japanese people working behind the scenes," said Kono.

"We carry the hopes of 100 million Japanese people with us tomorrow (Friday)."