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Closing ceremony preview: The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will come to an end on 8 August with a closing ceremony in the Japanese capital. Tokyo pill pass the baton to Paris, the hosts of the 2024 Games, at the ceremony after staging one of the most dramatic Olympics of all time which was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing ceremony will begin at 4.30 pm IST. The 2020 Games has been extra special for Indians as the nation finished the Olympics with its best-ever tally of seven medals. Neeraj Chopra’s gold in the men’s javelin throw event, which made him the first Indian to win an athletics event, was the seventh medal that India won as athletes created history. Apart from being memorable for Indian fans, this Olympics just might go down as the Games that changed sports for good. These became the Olympics where the athletes had their say. The Olympics where mental health became as important as physical. The Olympics where tales of perseverance — spoken, documented and discussed loudly and at length — often overshadowed actual performance. It wasn’t only those who stood on the medals stand at the hyper-scrutinized pressure cooker in Tokyo, where spit tests for COVID-19 and sleeping on cardboard-framed beds were part of the daily routine. It was all of them. Their voices were heard, in big ways and small, through hundreds of reminders that their mental and physical health were not for sale, not even to the $15.5 billion behemoth that underwrites many of their grandest dreams. Those voices were notably reflected in the words of Simone Biles, who, early on, reset the conversation when she pulled out of the gymnastics meet, declaring her well-being was more important than medals. And by Naomi Osaka, the tennis player who lit the cauldron on Day 1, but only after spending the summer insisting that the world listen to her — really listen — instead of only watching her on the court. The planet’s highest-paid female athlete and the host country’s poster girl, she faced expectations that were hard to handle. “I’ve been afraid that my worth is tied to whether or not I win or lose,” Allyson Felix wrote the morning before her bronze-medal run in the 400 meters made her the most decorated female track athlete in Olympic history. “But right now I’ve decided to leave that fear behind. To understand that I am enough.” They came in all shapes and sizes. A transgender weightlifter, a nonbinary skateboarder, and Quinn, the first openly transgender Olympian to win a gold medal. Teenage skateboarders, and surfers seeking gnarly waves — most of whom never dreamed of being on the Olympic stage, hugging and sharing tips and reminding us all that this is supposed to be fun. IOC president Thomas Bach said two days before the close that the Tokyo Games “far exceeded my personal expectations," because when spectators were barred as a pandemic precaution he feared “these Olympic Games could become an Olympic Games without soul.” Instead, Bach said, he found the intimacy in the empty venues made for an intense atmosphere. “In many cases you did not realize that there were no spectators,” he said. “Maybe in some cases you could even experience the feelings of the athletes closer and better than being surrounded by so many spectators.” It is Bach’s job to call the Olympics a success. Maybe, though, that goal was met in Tokyo just by reaching the finish line. But of course there were highlights along the way. — Italy shockingly establishing itself as a sprint power with a surprise win by Marcell Jacobs in the men’s 100 meters followed by “four Ferraris” teaming to win the 4X100 relay for another gold medal. — Lydia Jacoby, the first swimmer from Alaska in the Olympics won gold, and Caeleb Dressel collecting five golds in the pool. — Sunisa Lee, the first Hmong American Olympian, winning gold in the women’s all-around. And in these games where social media use soared and TikTok became the platform of choice for the Olympians, Lee blaming her bronze on the uneven bars from the distractions created by her new Internet fame. — Streaming use surging among viewers, and NBC reporting that 3 billion minutes of content watched on its platforms were digital. Outside the Olympic bubble, COVID-19 cases soared in Tokyo to daily record highs, although Bach exonerated the Olympics because 11,000 athletes were placed away from the population and regular testing for everyone else produced extremely low rates of positives. The pandemic still rages, and the Beijing Winter Games are set to open a mere six months from now. And COVID-19 is just one of the issues facing the next scheduled Olympics — the IOC has rejected several recent demands to move the Games from China over allegations of human rights violations. The Games, of course, will go on. They always do. Japan will hand the Summer Olympics flag to France on Sunday for the 2024 Paris Games. Tokyo organisers will end with a “Worlds We Share”-themed ceremony designed to make athletes and viewers “think about what the future holds" and “expresses the idea that each of us inhabits their own world.” The athletes did that already in Tokyo, where the Olympics will be forever remembered as the Games that persevered. With AP Inputs
Tokyo Olympics 2020 Closing Ceremony Highlights: IOC chief Thomas Bach declares 32nd Olympics closed
Tokyo Olympics were brought to a close on Sunday, 8 August, with a ceremony that celebrated rich culture and heritage of Japan. Equally, it was a celebration of hope, solidarity and peace amid the pandemic.
 "Tokyo Olympics 2020 Closing Ceremony Highlights: IOC chief Thomas Bach declares 32nd Olympics closed")
The Tokyo Olympics is officially closed!
At one point staging of the Games looked impossible amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we bid goodbye to the Tokyo Games, which will be etched in our memory for a long time, we must not forget to acknowledge the efforts of the people who made it possible. The 2020 Olympics witnessed the power of human excellence but also the power of togetherness as the organisers and athletes came together to host what looked undoable. Paris is ready for 2024. Handover has happened. Time to move on, but we will miss Tokyo 2020. Goodbye for today. See you soon!
Olympic flame extinguished…
GOOSEBUMPS! The Olympic Flame has been extinguished! 😍🤩
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
But the Olympic spirit we've witnessed at @Tokyo2020 will keep burning bright.
Even when we are far apart, we are all connected and #StrongerTogether.#ClosingCeremony #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/0Bqr7aRpZC
Arigato…
— Amit Kamath (@jestalt) August 8, 2021
Tokyo 2020 is closed!
The Games of the 𝑿𝑿𝑿𝑰𝑰 Olympiad are officially closed! #Tokyo2020 #StrongerTogether | #ClosingCeremony | #UnitedByEmotion
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) August 8, 2021
IOC president Thomas bach speaks…
“Athletes went faster, went higher and were stronger because they all stood together in solidarity. You inspired us with this unified symbol of sport. And it was even more remarkable because of what you faced in the pandemic. For the first time since the pandemic, the world came together. People were united by emotion, sharing moments of joy and inspiration. This gives us hope, this gives us faith in the future. The Olympic Games of Tokyo were the Olympic Games of hope, solidarity and peace. You the Japanese people can be extremely proud of what you achieved. On behalf of all the athletes we say thank you Tokyo, thank you Japan.”
IOC president Thomas Bach takes the mic now…
“On behalf of all the athletes, we say thank you Tokyo, thank you Flag of Japan Japan,” says Bach.
Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee head Hashimoto Seiko takes the stage now…
She starts off by giving tribute to the people who made Toko 2020 Games possible. She believes the 2020 Games has shown the human power which will keep the Games spirit all the way through to Paris 2024. She adds they now wait for the Paralympics.
Full text of speech:
“In the presence of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino, I hereby extend my greetings to you at the closing of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Tonight the curtain falls on a Games of excitement and inspiration, forged by each athlete who took part. These Games took place in the midst of a severe pandemic, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those in medical services, to everyone who supported and contributed to the Games, and to our hosts, the people of Japan.
Although many of the events were held without spectators, the athletes were greeted instead by arrangements of morning glory flowers grown by schoolchildren across Japan. The morning glory vines were intertwined and resilient, as if depicting the unity of the people of the world. We were all so very encouraged by the gentle bloom of the flowers and the thoughts and feelings that accompanied them.
Thank you very much.
To all the volunteers who supported the Games:
These Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are a testament to your strength, your power and your love for sport. No matter how difficult the situation, you were able to rise to the challenge and put a smile on everyone’s face. Thanks to your support, we were able to overcome so many difficulties. Thank you very much.
To my fellow Olympians:
There are no words to describe what you have achieved in Tokyo. You have accepted what seemed unimaginable, understood what had to be done, and through hard work and perseverance overcome unbelievable challenges. This has made you true Olympians.
One athlete’s jubilant victory is another’s bitter defeat. Yet in the space of an instant, winner and loser come together in the same feeling of acknowledgement and respect. This is the beauty of the Olympic Games. This is the value of the Olympic spirit. Please never forget that sight. And in the future, tell the story of what you achieved here with confidence and pride.
Even as the Games close, a new door opens: a door to the future, opened by athletes and the power of sport. “Sport has the power to change the world and our future” – and this power, I believe, will carry us through to the next Summer Games in Paris in 2024.
Tonight the Olympic flame that has lit up Tokyo will quietly go out. But the hope that has been ignited here will never be extinguished. It will remain alight in the hearts of people all over the world as we continue to hope for peace in the spirit of Ekecheiria, a tradition unbroken from the ancient Olympic Games.
Our journey continues. Athletes around the world have believed in their own potential and overcome adversity to become Paralympic hopefuls. Now it is time for them to make their mark. We at Tokyo 2020 are ready and waiting for the Paralympic Games.
Finally, I would like to thank President Bach and all the members of the IOC, the Government of Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and everyone else who has supported these Games. Thank you all very much.
Athletes and people of the world, we hope to welcome you here again someday. See you in Tokyo. Thank you and good night.”
Paris is ready!
At the #tokyo2020 #ClosingCeremony, they're streaming live visuals from Paris, which'll host next edition. As fighter planes fly past the Eiffel Tower blowing smoke in the colours of the French flag, loud cheer goes up at Tokyo's Olympics Stadium from the volunteers here.
— Amit Kamath (@jestalt) August 8, 2021
French national anthem…
The instrumental version of the French national anthem was played out which was recorded earlier in different locations. It ends with live shots from Paris where fans are celebrating the handover ceremony.
Fans wave French flags and cheer in the Olympics fan zone at Trocadero Gardens in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris as the handover ceremony begins in Tokyo. Paris will host the 2024 Games.
Handover ceremony begins…
The handover ceremony from Tokyo to Paris has begun. The Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike hands over the Olympics flag to IOC president Thomas Bach who then passed it over to the Paris mayor Ana María Hidalgo.
Time of national anthem of France.
Time for the Olympic anthem…
IOC president Thomas Bach, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike and mayor of Paris Ana María Hidalgo make their way to the stage followed by the Olympic anthem. The Olympic flag has been lowered.
Japanese culture on display…
A combination of live performances in the stadium and videos showcases Japanese culture. Tradition festivals and dance styles are being shown including traditional dance of the Ainu people, also Eisa dance in the Okinawa islands and some shots of the Awa Dance Festival.
Once again, thank you!
Without the volunteers, none of this would have been possible.
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
Thank you so much for your work in bringing the Olympic spirit to life once more - these Olympic Games could not have happened without you.#StrongerTogether | #Tokyo2020 | #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/zM0Aoq7SJk
Volunteers felicitated!
The newly elected members of the Olympic Committee Athlete Council make their way to the stage, where they felicitate a few volunteers to thank them for their outstanding work and invaluable help. This Games would no have been possible amid the pandemic without these volunteers. A total of 70,970 volunteers were part of the Games.
History at closing ceremony!
For the first time in history, a men's and women's victory ceremony happens together at a Summer Olympic Games.
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
The medallists of the marathon are presented with their medals! Congratulations to all! #StrongerTogether #Athletics #Tokyo2020 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/lfoyl1rv5x
Medal ceremony for marathon
Time for the men’s event winners to get their medals. Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the race while silver went to Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands. Bashir Abdi (Belgium) won the bronze.
Medal ceremony for marathon
The winners from the women’s event get the medals first. Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya has won the gold. Her compatriot Brigid Kosgei won the silver while USA’s Mollu Seidl got the bronze. Time for the national anthems.
Medal ceremony for marathon
The medal ceremony for men’s and women’s marathon events that took place today morning will take place now. IOC president Thomas Bach and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe will be presenting the medals.
Greece national anthem…
The national anthem of Greece, birth place of Olympic Games, is now being played in the stadium as the flag of the country gets hoisted next to that of Japan. This has been a long stading tradition at Games.
Our proud athletes during the ceremony…
A longer video of that light show…
#Olympics Ring. 😍✨#ClosingCeremony #Tokyo2020 #unifiedMalaysians #DemiMalaysia #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/njSBUCU6hA
— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) August 8, 2021
A glimpse of Tokyo
Time for some music and some performances as Tokyo Ska Paradise orchestra take the stage. Other performers are enacting activities like playing football, dancing, roaming to give a glimpse of life in Tokyo.
Beautiful light show…
The lights go out and then we see a coming together of colours in the middle of the stadium. A luminous wave of colour and light gets together to form the Olympic rings.
Samoa delegation — always the centre of attraction!
Parade continues…
The athletes’ parade continues in the national stadium in Tokyo. The commentators just informed the 4,919 athletes are part of the parade. The biggest party right now on earth, and the environment is nothing short of a carnival. They are loving it and they deserve it.
#Trending at Olympics!
Turning up to ceremonies topless-ly seems to be catching on at the #Olympics
— Amit Kamath (@jestalt) August 8, 2021
Spotted at #tokyo2020 #ClosingCeremony #FirstpostInTokyo pic.twitter.com/1UtZqCI1Da
We are united!
The flag-bearers form a circle inside the stadium symbolising that while they are representing different nations in the Games, they are stronger together.
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
More athletes enter the staidum!
After flag-bearers, athletes from participating nations enter the arena in groups to big goodbye to the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Such a shame we don’t have fans in the stadium but then again we are fighting a pandemic.
Some more pictures…
Scenes from the closing ceremony as each country's flag bearer walks along.
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) August 8, 2021
(📸 @jestalt / SonyLiv)#Tokyo2020 #ClosingCeremony Live: https://t.co/tRe1EhOt3H pic.twitter.com/WtaQGszGTj
Handover in space has already taken place!
An Olympic handover… in space 🚀😳#ClosingCeremony @thom_astro @astro_kimbrough @novitskiy_iss @Astro_Sabot @Aki_Hoshide @Astro_Megan @roscosmos @nasa @Space_Station @esa @JAXA_enhttps://t.co/0EJPZdLwSr
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
‘Together’ at Games!
Welcome, flagbearers!
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
The athletes enter the Olympic Stadium together - a moment to remember that, while we may come from all over the world, @Tokyo2020 has proven that we are always #StrongerTogether. #Tokyo2020 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/Wz8tnkb3mC
Flag-bearers are out!
Now it’s time for the designated flag-bearers of participating counties to make their way into the stadium. India’s Bajrang Punis is in the mix, carrying the nation’s flag.
Japanese flag makes its way into the stadium
The flag of Japan is brought into the stadium by six bearers including four athletes, one healthcare individual, and one Japanese model. The flag is being hoisted in the stadium as the national anthem rings around the arena.
Closing ceremony begins!
The closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 is underway at the National Stadium. It began with fireworks and a montage of the events and winners. IOC president Thomas Bach can be seen in attendance.
With six hurls of a javelin, Neeraj Chopra conquers Mount Olympus
It’s surreal, is what it is. A country of over a billion waits 4,743 days — or 157 months, or 13 years — for another individual gold medal at the Olympics! And then, on a clear, but humid Tokyo evening, in six hurls of a spear weighing 800 grams, a 23-year-old goes where even gods of India’s sporting pantheon have not been: to the top of Mount Olympus.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra claimed India’s second individual Olympic gold medal on Saturday. India’s first medal of any colour in track and field is gold. Saying both of these things out aloud seem ludicrous even one Olympics ago. Everyone expected a medal from Neeraj. But even for the most gung-ho optimists, Neeraj winning Olympic gold would have seemed improbable. Besides, haven’t the first two weeks of Tokyo 2020 been a rude reminder to Indians of the gulf that exists at an Olympics between expectations and reality.
_**Read in full Amit Kamath's dispatch from Tokyo**_People queue up outside the stadium in Tokyo before the closing ceremony!
An hour before the #Tokyo2020 #Olympics #ClosingCeremony scores of people queue up outside the #OlympicStadium of Tokyo.
— Amit Kamath (@jestalt) August 8, 2021
This is the closest they will get to the ceremony, essentially a party their country is hosting.#FirstpostInTokyo pic.twitter.com/9jbCtkaJeM
Also this!
What a moment. What a champion. 🙌
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) August 7, 2021
This is the moment all of #IND had been waiting for. 😍 #Gold#Tokyo2020 | #BestOfTokyo | #UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/sJbBkLiWpr
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