The Japanese City of Odawara has extended support necessary to the Maldivian athletes during their training in preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The decision was announced during a meeting held between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mayor of Odawara City Kenichi Kato. The meeting was held as part of the ongoing visit by President Solih to Japan. The president is in Japan on an official visit to attend the official enthronement of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum throne earlier this year, following the abdication of Emperor Akihito.
While Japan host the 2020 Summer Olympics, Odawara City will host the Maldivian athletes competing in the games during the pre-game training and the event. The athletes will train at the Shiroyama Athletic Field in Odawara City, with 8 tracks, 5 throwing event areas and 12 jumping event areas for Olympic sports.
During the meeting, President Solih and Mayor Kenichi discussed ways to learn from each other in various areas. President Solih expressed hope to further extend the close relations between the two countries at national and provincial levels, and share best practices among the local governments.
Speaking further, President Solih conveyed his sincere sympathies to the mayor and the people of Odawara who were affected by Typhoon Hagibis. He further commended the Japanese Government for its swift action to recover from the damage.
Odawara is the economic and cultural hub of the southern Kantō region, and while it is the host city to the Maldivian athletes, the town’s residents will also be the cheering squad for the various events participated by the Maldivian teams.