Emperor of Japan Naruhito officially opened today the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, wishing success to all participants, and appreciating the efforts made to make these games a success, especially in light of the Coronavirus pandemic that swept the whole world.

Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka was given the honour of lighting a hydrogen-fueled Olympic cauldron that opened from a sphere sitting atop a Mt. Fuji-like pedestal. Orange, yellow and green fireworks lit up the sky above the stadium to announce to all the games have begun.

The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics began in the Japanese capital at 8 pm local time in the Olympic Stadium, following a delay of one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, H.E. Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, and sports and Olympic leaders.

During the opening ceremony, the Qatari delegation participating in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics wore traditional dress, and the flag of the State of Qatar was carried by Tala Abujbara and Mohamed Al Rumaihi.

لحظات دخول الوفد القطري لحفل افتتاح دورة الألعاب الأولمبية طوكيو 2020 ويحمل راية الأدعم محمد الرميحي وتالا أبوجبارة #كلنا_الأدعم 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/fF5yVslLyR

— Team Qatar 🇶🇦 (@qatar_olympic) July 23, 2021

In his speech, IOC President Thomas Bach said the pandemic has created distance between humanity, and separated people from their loved ones. He added:

"But today, wherever in the world you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together. The Olympic flame makes this light shine brighter for all of us," he said.

"This Olympic community is with you tonight and during the entire Olympic Games. Billions of people from around the globe will be glued to their screens, sending you their enthusiasm, their energy and cheering you on.

"Our Olympic community learned that we can address the many big challenges of our times only if we stand together. The lesson we learned is: We need more solidarity. More solidarity among societies and more solidarity within societies. Solidarity means much more than just respect or non-discrimination. Solidarity means helping. Sharing. Caring."

Source: QNA
Cover image credit: AlKass Digital

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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