Postponed from last year, the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin this year. The locals are wary, the athletes are anxious, training sessions are truncated, and restrictions are extensive._____________
Yet Japan, in many ways is seen as a safe choice, because of its past experience of hosting big events. It has an impeccable reputation for discipline and the ability to deliver the goods.

The paragraph opens the discussion on the worries surrounding the Olympics. In the second part of the paragraph, the author presents the contrast, that Japan is capable of handling this because of its experience of hosting big events, its impeccable reputation for discipline and ability to deliver the goods. Since the presented blank is in the first part of the paragraph, it should expand upon the worries and should offer a contrast against the second part. Options A and C can therefore be eliminated. Option D contradicts the discussion in the second part, of Japan being a 'safe' choice. Option C is the best option out of the four.