Society

Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony

Aug 09 (NHK) - The Tokyo Olympic Games, that took place as coronavirus infection cases surged in the host city, concluded on Sunday.

The closing ceremony began with a firework display.

Then, flag bearers representing each team entered the venue, led by Greece and host-nation Japan.

One of the ceremony's highlights was the official handover to Paris, the host city of the 2024 Summer Games. Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko passed the Olympic flag to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Organizing committee leader Hashimoto Seiko thanked everyone who made the Tokyo Games possible, including medical workers.

Spectators were banned at most of the venues due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Japan.

More than 11,000 athletes from 205 countries and territories, and the Refugee Olympic Team participated in the 17-day competition.

Tokyo is set to hold the Paralympic Games from August 24.

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