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Tokyo Olympics concludes, Olympics will be held in Paris after three years

Amid the COVID-19 virus and an approaching storm, the extraordinary Tokyo Olympic Games came to a close under the Fountains of Light, showing an unprecedented display of hope and perseverance. The most exclusive games in history in the capital of Japan culminated in spectacular fireworks displays that included dancing, singing and celebration. Remembering those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympic flag was handed over to Paris where the next Olympic Games will be held three years later. A year late due to the global health crisis, rising costs and divided opinion among locals about the event, the Tokyo Olympics overcame many challenges to reach the closing ceremony.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said after the ceremonial closing of the Olympic Games, “The athletes grew faster and got stronger as they all stood in unison. You guys inspired us with this unifying symbol of sports. These games were even more remarkable because of the circumstances you faced in the pandemic. The Games would not have been possible without Bach, he said, “The world united for the first time after the pandemic. People connected with emotions, they were sharing moments of joy and inspiration. It gives us hope, it gives us confidence in the future. He said, “The Olympic Games in Tokyo were the ‘Olympic Games of Hope, Solidarity and Peace’. You can be extremely proud of what the Japanese people have achieved. On behalf of all the players, we say ‘Thank you Tokyo, thank you Japan’.

The flag of Japan was hoisted at the 68,000-capacity National Stadium, which was short of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by the celebrations in front of sportspersons, dignitaries and officials from across the world. The players entered the stadium and formed a circle around the stage. While the players were dressed in ‘formal’ attire in the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony was a chance for them to enjoy and ‘relax’. A large number of players arrived and were capturing the moment with their mobile phones. Some were hoisting the flag and some were wiping sweat on a sultry Tokyo evening. The theme of the closing ceremony was ‘World We Share’ which ranged from lights to music shows, fireworks and stunts.

The national anthem of the next host country was shown for the first time before the Olympic torch was extinguished, which was filmed as a film in the host city. For the first time ever, the closing ceremony featured live and spectacular celebrations from the next host country, with Paris and France taking on the role of hosts of the 33rd Olympics. It featured musicians performing from six different venues that exposed the world’s experience over the past few months. The message in it was, “We are apart, we can play together and play together.” ^ Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike handed over the Olympic flag to Bach, who presented it to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Seiko Hashimoto, President of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, said, “I would like to express my gratitude and respect to all the players and also all those who have overcome so many difficulties to prepare for these Games and to do their best. . ^ Bach gave the women’s marathon gold medal to Kenya’s Perez Jepchirchir while the men’s marathon gold to Eliud Kipchoge. A fountain of light spread in the sky of Tokyo and then became the Olympic Ring. The ceremony was held without spectators due to coronavirus protocols, but the organizers put up screens inside the stadium showing videos of fans from around the world. Bronze medalist Bajrang Punia was the flag bearer of the Indian contingent and India’s largest contingent won the most medals in history by saying ‘goodbye’ to the Games. The closing ceremony began with a video summarizing the 17-day events. The final chapter began with fireworks at the stadium with the organizers expressing gratitude to “the countless individuals” who helped lead the Olympic Games to the closing ceremony. This was followed by Crown Prince Akishino of Japan and President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach in the official stand. The focus in the opening video was not on records and scores but on the valiant efforts of all the players who took part in a rigorous bio-bubble by getting daily COVID-19 tests done. The main message of the ceremony was that sports would open doors to a brighter future. India can certainly look to a brighter future with seven medal best performances in which javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won its first gold after 13 years, which is also the country’s first medal in track and field at the Games. Apart from this gold, India also won two silver and four bronze medals. The US topped the medal tally with 113 podium places with 39 gold medals while China finished second with 88 podium places with 38 gold. Hosts Japan finished third with 58 medals, including 27 gold.