May 11 (NHK) - The Japanese city of Sapporo may aim to become the host city of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2030 rather than the 2026 Games.
Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto is expected to inform Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda before making an official decision on the matter.
Sapporo had been consulting with the JOC and other relevant organizations over its plan to host the Winter Games in 2026.
Sapporo officials say they now find it hard to hold the Games that year and they have begun discussing an alternative plan with the JOC.
If Sapporo wins its bid for the 2026 Games, it means that the Winter Games will be held in Asia for the 3rd consecutive time, and the idea has reportedly drawn objections from other Olympic committees.
The Swiss city of Sion, Canada's Calgary and other western cities are bidding to host the 2026 Games.
