The 32nd Summer Games Open in Tokyo
After IOC President Thomas Bach's speech, the Summer Games were declared open by Japan's Emperor Naruhito at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
The Olympic flag was brought in after that with Japanese badminton star Kento Momota being one of the athletes bringing it into the stadium. The Olympic flag is then taken by health workers, who have worked tirelessly to find the COVID-19 pandemic and the army men before it's hoisted next to Japan's flag.
As the flag was hoisted, the stadium with close to 10,500 people belted out the Olympic anthem at full tilt along with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Thomas Bach Speaks
"Welcome to Tokyo 2020. Today is a moment of hope, let us cherish this moment, finally we are all here. Athletes from 205 are living under the same roof in the Olympic Village.
"There were unprecedented challenges. First reconstructing after earthquake and then the pandemic, which is why is respect is even more huge. Our gratitude to doctors and volunteers for doing all they did. For the volunteers, you are the best ambassadors for Japan.
"For my athletes, you had to face unprecedented challenges on your journey to the Olympics. There was great uncertainty, you didn't know when you could train, see your coach, or when you will have your teammates, you didn't know if the competition will be held at all. You never gave up and today, you are making your Olympic dream come true. You are true Olympic athletes! You inspire us to fight like you and for you to make this moment possible.”
"Dear refugee athletes, with your talent and human spirit, you are demonstrating what enrichment refugees are. You ran from home because of hunger or just being different. We welcome you with open arms, welcome to our Olympic community. Here, we are all equal and respect the same rules. This experience makes all of us humble because we feel we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of an event that unites the world. We are always stronger together. This is why we are grateful to your athletes for showing all of that in your new Olympic oath. We can only go faster, higher and stronger in solidarity. This feeling of togetherness is the light at the end of the tunnel. The pandemic forced us to keep distance and stay away even from our loved ones. The separation makes the tunnel so dark but today, wherever you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together. The Olympic flame makes this light shine brighter for all of us. I invite the Emperor of Japan to declare the Games open," Thomas Bach said after the glittering opening ceremony.
Faster, Stronger Higher and Together!
The fantastic ceremony in Tokyo which was muted in terms of the celebrations given the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of fans, marks the start of yet another glorious spectacle in the world of sport. For the next 17 days, all eyes will be on the Land of the Rising Sun!
The march past was completed after the 204th contingent to walk out was France, the hosts of the next Olympics in Paris in 2024. The last was hosts Japan. The loudest roar was reserved for them.
Unlike previous times, the nations will walk out for the parade in the order of the Japanese alphabet - a move that was approved to help push the country's culture. In 1964, Tokyo became the first Asian city to host the Olympic Games.
Interestingly, in the Olympic Games in 1964 when the games were also held in Tokyo, they were moved to October to avoid the dangerous summer heat.
At the Opening Ceremony
There were close to 10,400 attendees. There were about 6,000 in terms of team delegations and about 900 Games stakeholders and guests of honor. The Media present would total close to 3,500, as per reports.
Five Japanese athletes read the Olympic oath, before the Olympic flag is raised next to the Japanese flag.
USA - The Best of the Lot!
USA have sent 613 athletes and will be the hosts of the 2028 Olympic Games and walked in third last in the parade. They are the most successful nation in the history of the Olympic Games.
France And Japan Round Things Off
The next hosts of the Olympic Games are France in Paris in 2024 and walked in second last before Japan, the hosts. Japan is the last contingent to arrive in the glittering National Stadium. The hosts are fielding more than 500 athletes
No Usain Bolt!
The Jamaican contingent walked in with Yohan Blake as one of the flagbearer missing the usually unmissable Usain Bolt.
China have sent a contingent of more than 400 people and will be looking to bag as many medals as possible. They’re one of the powerhouses of Olympic sports.