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The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics took place on Friday in a nearly empty National Stadium after year-long pandemic postponement and a build-up marred by scandal and controversy. The ceremony began with performances and fireworks. It was followed by the parade of participating countries, which placed the foundation for speeches by International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach and Seiko Hashimoto, who is the chief of Tokyo Organising Committee. After the speeches, Japanese Emperor Naruhito opened up The Games, and few more performances took place. Tennis ace Naomi Osaka ended the ceremony by lighting the Olympic Cauldron. The ceremony took place before just a few hundred officials and dignitaries.
Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron
The Olympic Flame has bought into the venue!
Thomas Bach's speech comes to and!
Thomas Bach's speech
Speech by president of the Tokyo Organizing Committee
Post-parade formalities
The last contingent arrive!
Tonga led by a shirtless Pita Taufatofua
China, South Korea and Canada
Some more photos from India's entry in the parade
Kenya adds an extra punch to the fashion sense at the National Stadium!
Youngest flagbearer!!!!!
Another snapshot of India!
Here are the hosts for the 2023 Olympics!
Watch: Team India's entry in the parade at the National Stadium
Snapshots from India's parade
Argentina top the energy ranking in the parade!
Here is a random fact!
IOC Refugee Olympic Team
Team India make their way into the National Stadium!
Japanese video game themes!
Greece carries on with their Olympics custom with much aplomb!
The athletes' parade begins!
The Olympic Rings have been bought in!
"Apart, but not alone."
Emperor Naruhito and Thomas Bach wave to the crowd!
Throwback: Tokyo 1964
Fireworks adorn the Tokyo sky!
The Opening Ceremony begins!
Mary Kom's children wish her luck!
IOC Refugee Olympic Team flagbearers!
One last sunset graces the National Stadium. See pic
Deepika Kumari finishes ninth!
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