Tokyo pledges ‘model’ drug-free Games

City promises ‘clean’ 2020 Olympics in bid.

TOKYO: Tokyo is promising a model Olympic Games with the world’s strictest anti-doping rules if it wins the right to host the 2020 edition.

Exacting testing in top-notch laboratories combined with strong social disapproval of chemical enhancements give Japan a leading edge in the race to stamp out doping in sport, according to advocates.

“Japan is a world leader in anti-doping,” said Masato Mizuno, vice president of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

“In 2020 we look forward to offering a model of clean sport as a legacy of excellence throughout the world.”

Japan’s record with doping is admirable, say sport insiders.

“It is true that Japan is one of the strongest countries as far as drug testing is concerned,” said Dick Pound, an International Olympic Committee member.

The IOC meets in Buenos Aires in September to decide which of the three shortlisted cities – Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid – will play host to thousand of athletes for the 2020 summer Games.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2013.

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