Mary Kom and Manpreet lead the Indian contingent
Six-time world champion women’s boxer MC Mary Kom and men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh led the Indian contingent with the tricolor in their hands at the march past at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. India landed at 21st place in the March Past.
India has fielded its largest contingent of 127 members in these games which includes 56 women. A contingent of 19 athletes and six officials participated in the opening ceremony but from the Indian side. The six officials who took part in the march past include team chief Birendra Prasad Baishya, deputy team chief Dr Prem Verma, team doctor Dr Arun Basil Mathew, table tennis team manager MP Singh, boxing coach Mohammad Ali Qamar and gymnastics coach Lakhan Sharma.
Britain’s Mohamed Sabihi became Britain’s first Muslim flag bearer in the history of the Olympic Games. Another highlight of the march parade was 12-year-old table tennis player Hend Zara who became the youngest flag bearer. Zara played the role of Syria’s flag bearer with Ahmed Saber Humcho.
The Jamaican contingent was led by Black here, while Usain Bolt, the usual swashbuckling legend, was absent this time.
China has sent its contingent of more than 400 people while Kuwait has returned to the Olympic movement. Kuwait was suspended in 2015 due to political interference.
The big contingent of Italy came out with their flag. The Italian team consists of an equal number of men’s and women’s players and will compete in 20 sports. The Iranian crew left with a male and female flag bearer. Iran has only one female athlete in its squad.
Greece, the first host of the Olympic Games, started the march past. He was followed by a group of refugees. Iceland was at number three.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach waved to the parties and greeted them. Ireland was followed by Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has only one female athlete in its squad.
The entire Irish contingent greeted King Naruhito of Japan with a solemn bow. It was the only group that followed the customs prevalent in Japanese society in which bowing before the elders as a mark of respect.
The Tokyo Olympics, which started a year late due to Corona, were duly inaugurated at the National Stadium in Tokyo today. However, not a single spectator was present in the stadium due to Corona.
The opening ceremony began with a spectacular light and sound performance, followed by King Naruhito of Japan and IOC President Thomas Bach standing for the national anthem of Japan. The national anthem of Japan is sung by Shiro Sagisu. Earlier, a minute’s silence was observed for those who died of Corona.
The National Stadium with a capacity of 68 thousand people had no spectators and only 1000 celebrities were present to witness the opening ceremony.
