The equestrian events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are now to be held at the same site as they were for the 1964 Games.
Dream Island on Tokyo Bay was the planned site for dressage, showjumping and eventing in 2020, but the main equestrian site will now be Baji Koen, the Japan Racing Authority facility that hosted the equestrian events in 1964.
The move puts the sport into the centre of the Games, and the use of an existing facility falls in line with the Olympic 2020 recommendations on cost and sustainability.
The change was approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 27 February.
The cross-country will remain at Sea Forest, also known as Umi no Mori, in Tokyo Bay, but eventing’s dressage and showjumping phases will be at Baji Koen, alongside pure dressage and showjumping.
Olympic rowing, canoe sprint and mountain biking will also be staged at Sea Forest.
“The FEI has been working very closely with the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, visiting all venues and carefully considering all options, and we are very impressed with both the Baji Koen and Sea Forest sites,” said FEI director of Games and championships, Tim Hadaway.”
In Tokyo’s original bid, 33% of the venues were using pre-existing facilities, but these changes have increased that to 50%.
According to the IOC, the combined savings resulting from venue changes to equestrian, basketball and canoe slalom will slash $1 billion from the Tokyo 2020 organising committee’s construction budget.
“We were more than happy to agree to a venue change that helps Tokyo stay in line with the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations”, said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
“Baji Koen is a beautiful public park that will make a spectacular venue for the 2020 Olympic equestrian events and keeps our sport right at the heart of the Games.
“We celebrated 100 years in the Olympic movement in London 2012 and with Tokyo 2020 in our sights, our focus is firmly on providing a strong legacy for equestrian sport in Japan. We are looking forward to putting the spotlight on our sport in Tokyo.”
