Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach agreed yesterday to postpone Tokyo 2020 until no later than the summer of 2021 in response to growing worldwide concern over the coronavirus pandemic.

"Their (Tokyo 2020's) example will make us stronger and fitter to deal with the contingencies of our time," a Paris 2024 statement reads.

"With solidarity, we will stand alongside the Japanese Organising Committee to provide our full support as it takes on the new organisational challenge.

"The Games are a huge brotherly and sisterly festivity. 

"When the circumstances are right, we will be glad to see every nation gather again around Olympic and Paralympic values and celebrate sport."

Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet told Agence France-Presse the postponement of Tokyo 2020 will have no impact on the Games in the French capital.

"The 2024 Games will be held in the summer of 2024," the three-time Olympic canoeing champion said.

"There is no impact on the date."

Yesterday's decision, which followed pressure from high-profile National Olympic Committees and athletes to delay Tokyo 2020, poses significant challenges for the IOC, organisers and others involved in rearranging the event.

Venues and the impact on the global sports calendar are among the issues which will need to be considered in the lead-up to the first Olympic Games to be postponed in peacetime.

Nevertheless, Estanguet says it was the best decision for the athletes and for all the players in the Games.

"I believe that the Games must stay in their place," he added.

"We are really advancing on our own preparation plan. 

"Each situation in the Games is different. 

"We do not have the same infrastructure to build.

"We are advancing on our schedule independently of that of Tokyo."

Reaction to yesterday's decision also continues to come in from International Federations (IFs).

The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) said it "fully supports" the decision and is working closely with the IOC and the IFs to assess the global sports calendar and select the best dates in 2021 to stage the Olympics.

"Postponing the Tokyo Olympic Games is not only the right decision, but the only one which could be taken in view of the ongoing, massive global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said.

"Everyone’s health is most important now. 

"ASOIF and its member federations will do everything within their power to support the complex implementation of this decision and deliver a successful Tokyo Olympic Games for everyone worldwide next year."

ASOIF also said it is working with its member federations to help them address the financial implications resulting from the Games postponement and their events affected by COVID-19.

International Federation of Sport Climbing President Marco Scolaris said the world governing body welcomes and supports the move, despite the sport now having to wait longer than initially expected to make its debut on the Olympic programme.

"The outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus forced all of us to take unprecedented measures to contain the pandemic, ultimately this one," Scolaris said.

"Right now, all our efforts have to be focused on the end of this pandemic.

"There will be time for competing, there will be time for sports. 

"Now the world is ill, but one day we will celebrate its recovery with our World Cups and Championships. 

"We will climb the world again."

World Taekwondo, meanwhile, said it "fully supports" the decision in order to "safeguard the health and well-being of participating athletes and everyone involved".

As well as featuring on the Olympic programme, taekwondo is also set to make its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 – as the multi-sport extravaganza will continue to be known regardless of when it will be held.

"World Taekwondo shares the IOC and Tokyo 2020’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all its stakeholders as its number one priority," a statement from the international governing body reads.

"Postponing the Games to 2021 will allow for the remaining qualification tournaments to take place safely so that athletes are given a fair and equal opportunity to pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.

"World Taekwondo will work closely with the IOC and IPC (International Paralympic Committee) to make the necessary adjustments following the decision to postpone the Games, including assessing the process for the remaining qualification tournaments."

There has also been support for the decision expressed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the International Cycling Union.

"The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many unforeseen challenges," the BWF said.