Olympic Games opening ceremony – a truly Asian treat

On Jul 23, 2021

TOKYO, July 23 – Japan beat all challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as the XXX11nd modern summer Olympic Games finally got underway with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo today.

But for the first time in the 125-year-old history of modern Olympics from Athens in 1896, the world’s most prestigious sporting event will be staged without spectators, except for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) family members, competitors, officials, and the media.

Olympic Games opening ceremony – a truly Asian treat Thus, the world entirely depends on live television coverage for action at this Olympiad.

However, sports crazy Japanese found places outside the stadium, at least to feel the atmosphere and catch the lovely fireworks display.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito was among 1,000 VIPs and delegates who attended the opening ceremony.

Both the Olympic and Paralympics ceremonies are linked by the concept of “Moving Forward”, a reference to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last night’s colourful opening ceremony had all the ingredients that were necessary to call it a truly Asian treat made to an international recipe.

The opening ceremony was designed to bring fresh hope and encouragement to people around the world through the active appearance of sportsmen and women here in Tokyo.

As the Olympic officials said last year when the 207-nation event was postponed, the Olympic flame ultimately became the light at the end of the tunnel.

Even the teams taking part at last night’s opening ceremony had to curtail the number of team players taking part in the parade.

For the first time in Olympic history, both male and female competitors were picked as overall captains to be flag-bearers.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s Lion flag was carried by judoka Chamara Dharmawardana and gymnast Milka Gehani de Silva.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still troubling worldwide. The metaphorical tunnel is still being traversed, but last night’s mega opener offered a glimmer of that light. IOC President Thomas Bach was a happy man to see the grand opening last night.

“I am happy to see the moment of joy and relief after a long struggle. When entering the stadium, it was a moment of joy, in particular for the athletes, because I know how much they are struggled to earn this glorious moment,” the IOC Chief said.