Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican believes the new dates set for the Tokyo Olympics next year will allow sufficient time for nations to recover and prepare for the games.

The Games, postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held on July 23-Aug 8, 2021.

“The new dates are believed to be enough for organisers, athletes, officials and stakeholders to overcome the challenges they are facing with Covid-19 at the moment,” said Reezal yesterday.

“This decision (new dates) should also allow all parties to comfortably reschedule their training programmes and qualifying tournaments.”

Meanwhile, National Sports Council director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi disclosed that national hammer thrower Jackie Wong is showing positive signs of recovery from Covid-19.

“Jackie’s third test from a sample taken on March 28 has returned a negative result,” he said.