Look! Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony - Games baton passed on to Paris

It was delayed by COVID-19 and dismayed a skeptical public - but it still delivered drama

Published: August 08, 2021 17:53 Imran Malik, Assistant Editor

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A view of the Olympic flame as the cauldron closes during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo passed the Olympic baton to Paris today after staging a Games that was delayed by COVID-19 and dismayed a skeptical public but still delivered its share of drama. Image Credit: Reuters

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General view inside the stadium during the closing ceremony which was played out before an audience of mostly empty seats. Image Credit: Reuters

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A thank you message is displayed inside the stadium during the closing ceremony. It ended with the word "arigato," which is Japanese for "thank you". Image Credit: Reuters

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Athletes of Japan pose in the Olympic Stadium. The ceremony began with one athlete from each participating country marching in with their flags. Image Credit: AP

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People take a selfie outside the Olympic stadium. Inside, the upbeat extravaganza at one point featured The Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra knocking out a dance version of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy". Image Credit: Reuters

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Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto delivers a speech in front of the Olympic torch. It was an Olympics like no other with unprecedented logistical challenges and domestic opposition. Image Credit: Reuters

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Fireworks explode at the end of the closing ceremony. It capped two weeks of Olympic action that was watched by millions of people around the world. Image Credit: Reuters

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Fireworks go off around the Olympic Stadium. Japan mounted the world’s biggest sporting celebration in the face of a plague that has infected more than 200 million people and killed 4.3 million around the world. Image Credit: AFP

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