Tokyo Olympic closes with razzle dazzle and hope

TOKYO:

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 ended with a spectacular ceremony on Sunday. There was everything that a memorable closing ceremony should have – energetic performances, motivational speeches, hoisting of flags, jubilance among participants and staff, et al. But all of that took place in front of the empty stands of The Olympic Stadium.

The first major post-pandemic sporting event in the world missed the presence of spectators and the overall buzz that is as synonymous and famed as the ceremony itself. But, the razzmatazz of the performances, the magic of glittering light-and-sound show, and the gripping positive vibe in the atmosphere made everyone at the do, and millions around the world watching at home, forget the current dark times for a while. In short, the closing ceremony was a way of saying no pandemic can stop humanity from coming together and celebrate the spirit of sports and integrity.

“The Tokyo Olympics was remarkable as this was for the first time that the Olympics were held without any audience. And it is testimony to the spirit of unity; this is the spirit of Olympic Games,” said Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in his closing speech. Thanking the Government of Japan, the organising committee, volunteers, officials, and everyone associated with the game, the President lauded the immense grit, determination, and sportsmanship shown by the athletes during the event.

Bronze medal-winning wrestler, Bajrang Punia was the flagbearer, who led the Indian contingent into the stadium. It was a remarkable Olympics for India as the country ended with seven medals, including a gold, for the first time in the history of the games. Not just that, Tokyo Olympics saw the Indian contingent achieve some remarkable feats – winning a gold medal for the first time in a track and field event, bag a medal in hockey after 41 years, Indian women pull off the biggest upset in Games by beating favourites Australia in hockey, and participate in fencing for the first time.

In the end, there was a segment dedicated to the next Olympic host – Paris, France in 2024. In the “City of Light”, thousands of fans gathered at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate the handover of the Summer Games to the city in 2024 as fighter planes blew smoke in blue, white, and red trailing the French tricolor through the sky.

TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp: CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone

 ALSO READ: Javelin star Neeraj Chopra wins first gold for India at Tokyo Olympics