TOKYO, Dec. 5 -- The organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games said Wednesday that they plan to change the start times of some events to reduce the risks posed by Tokyo's summer heat.

The decision came after a deadly heat wave hit Japan in July this year, raising concerns over the risks posed by possible extreme summer heat to athletes, spectators and workers.

Yoshiro Mori, president of Tokyo 2020, told a press conference that morning rugby matches will start at 9 a.m., 90 minutes earlier than previously planned, while mountain bike events will be pushed an hour later to start at 3 p.m..

The organizers are also considering moving the start times of the marathon and 20-kilometer race walk events forward by one hour to 6 a.m., and a final decision will be made within the year, they said.

"The organizing committee regards this (the heat) as one of the most important issues it faces, and concerns have been raised," Mori was quoted as saying.

An unusual heat wave hit wide swathes of Japan this July, which saw a record high temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius near Tokyo and caused dozens of deaths.

【体坛英语资讯：Organizers of Tokyo Olympic Games adjust events schedule to beat summer heat】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Top seed Henin ousted in Dubai Championship tennis

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federers stomach bug gives rivals a lift

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears agreed to visit her kids

★ 体坛英语资讯：Domanski still mum on coaching in China

★ 体坛英语资讯：French drive plus local nous to revive women

★ 体坛英语资讯：Turkey score stunning comeback win, Switzerland beat Portugal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Nadal eyes Australian Open despite Chennai thrashing

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liverpool co-owner Gillett reveals death threats

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federer back on track, Roddick into semis

★ 体坛英语资讯：United draws Roma again, Liverpool faces Arsenal