Bronze medallist Punia was India's flagbearer as the Tokyo Olympics came to an end with a glittering closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.
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Wrestler Bajrang Punia led the Indian contingent out at the Olympic Stadium during the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony. The closing ceremony of the Games drew the curtains on India’s most successful Olympics ever. India ended with a record seven medals – one gold, two silver medals and four bronze medals. Neeraj Chopra bagged the gold, while Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Mirabai Chanu clinched silver. Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain and the men’s hockey team secured bronze medals. Star wrestler Punia was India’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony on Sunday. The athletes who were still present in Tokyo made their way to the Olympic Stadium. There was lively background music happening during the parade of athletes.
Dressed in their tracksuits, the Indian contingent had silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Deepak Punia, Lalremsiami among others during the stunning display of lights and music. The theme of the closing ceremony was the ‘worlds we share’ concept, expressing the idea that each of us inhabits their own world. Jugglers, dancers, football freestylers, and BMX riders performed to the exuberant medley by the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra to demonstrate Japan’s spirited outdoor culture.
As per protocol, the Olympic flag was lowered and handed over by the governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, to IOC president Thomas Bach, who passed it to Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris. The ceremony ended with the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame. The French capital will host the next Olympics in 2024.
GOOSEBUMPS! The Olympic Flame has been extinguished! ??
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
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
In his speech, IOC President Thomas Bach asserted that the sport returned to “centre stage”. “For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together,” Bach said. “Sport returned to centre stage. Billions of people around the globe were united by emotion, sharing moments of joy and inspiration. This gives us hope. This gives us faith in the future.”
Looking at the athletes, who were present in the stadium, he added, “Over the last 16 days, you amazed us with your sporting achievements. With your excellence, with your joy, with your tears, you created the magic of these Olympic Games. You were faster, you went higher, you were stronger, because we all stood together – in solidarity and peace.
“You inspired us with this unifying power of sport. This is even more remarkable given the many challenges you had to face because of the pandemic.”
Arigato Japan, arigato Tokyo! ??
The typography of the LED display of ‘arigato’ is the same one that was used to spell out ‘sayonara’ in the Closing Ceremony at Tokyo 1964! ?#ClosingCeremony #Arigato2020 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/1PKlLyjK7h
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
During a colourful closing ceremony, the Olympic flame was extinguished. The word ‘Arigato’ (thank you) was shown on LED screens inside the stadium, which was used in the same font that was used to spell out ‘Sayonara’ (goodbye) at the end of the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“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,” Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said.
“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. 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.”
Later, a video showcasing Paralympic stars from previous Games was shown as a prelude to the Paralympics, which will begin on August 24 in the city. Notably, it was the first time the Paralympic Games has been featured in the closing ceremony of an Olympic Games.
“Our journey continues,” President Hashimoto added. “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.”
