Audio By Carbonatix
The honour fell to Naomi Osaka to light the flame, the beacon of hope the Olympics attempts to be.
It marked the official opening of Tokyo 2020, a year later than planned, and in the midst of a global pandemic.
Perhaps as expected, Friday's opening ceremony was not of the usual ilk. No carnival like Rio, no skydiving monarchs like London, but a more sombre tone, a sobering reminder that this is a Games taking place in a world still facing its toughest challenge.
"Today is a moment of hope," said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment because finally we are all here together."
This Games is going to be different, dampened by masks, positive tests and the absence of fans. But it is still the Olympics; still the greatest show on Earth, still faster, higher, stronger and now together.
Latest Stories
-
Continuity: The engine of compounding
3 minutes -
AI offer lifeline to developing economies in an era of weak growth – World Bank
13 minutes -
Forefathers built better roads with less education than today’s educated generation – Prof Bokpin
15 minutes -
Kayayei interventions must go beyond skills training – Vice President
19 minutes -
Former Nandom MP Ambrose Dery declares intention to contest again in 2028
27 minutes -
GSE delivers 75% year-to-date return for investors as of July 2026
30 minutes -
IDEG: NDC, NPP disagreement over local elections hindering decentralisation reforms
34 minutes -
Wontumi appeal has no reasonable chance of success – AG opposes bail application
36 minutes -
2026 National Youth Conference: Osman Ayariga challenges youth to prioritise character and patriotism
38 minutes -
2026 National Youth Conference: Osman Ayariga calls for stronger youth participation in decision-making
39 minutes -
MTN Ghana delivers strong H1 2026 performance driven by data, digital and fintech growth
40 minutes -
GNFS rescues fuel tanker driver and mate in Tamale
40 minutes -
Comparing ourselves to NPP is setting the bar at ground level, NDC must aim higher – Opong-Fosu
48 minutes -
GAUA strike: KNUST administration offices opened but essential IT services hampered
51 minutes -
T.I. AMASS, Wa breaks decade-long jinx to qualify for NSMQ national contest‎
1 hour