‘Most challenging Olympics journey’

Fireworks light up the Japan National Stadium

The Tokyo 2020 Games were declared closed on Sunday by IOC chief Thomas Bach, who said it had been the "most challenging Olympics journey" after a year's pandemic delay and threats of cancellation.

Dancers perform during the closing ceremony

Bach called the Tokyo Games "unprecedented" as he addressed the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium, which was empty of spectators as Japan battles a record Coronavirus outbreak.

IOC chief Thomas Bach during the closing ceremony yesterday. Pics/AP, PTI, Getty Images

"In these difficult times we are all living through, you give the world the most precious of gifts: hope," the International Olympic Committee president told athletes at the ceremony. "And now I have to mark the end of this most challenging Olympic journey to Tokyo: I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed," Bach said.

It marked a low-key end to an extraordinary Olympics that have mostly played out in empty venues with only athletes, team officials and media present. Athletes have lived in strict bio-secure conditions with social distancing at the Olympic Village and instructions to wear masks unless eating, sleeping, training or competing.

As the Olympic flag was passed to Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo for the 2024 Games, live footage showed cheering crowds in the French capital - in stark contrast to Tokyo.

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