Pandemic-hit Tokyo Olympics kicks off with glittering opening ceremony
Tokyo, Jul 23: The COVID 19-hit 32nd Olympic Games formally began on Friday with a glittering opening ceremony, which sought to take the spotlight away from the gloom of a raging pandemic and put it firmly on the sporting excellence that the event promises to unleash.
'United by Emotion' was the theme of the night which opened with a countdown video dating back to the time when Tokyo won the bid to host the Games in 2013 before persevering through a year of postponement due to the pandemic.
It was followed by a 20-second indigo and white fireworks to display the colours of the Tokyo 2020 emblem and shaped like a fan, which is an auspicious symbol in Japanese culture.
Japanese emperor Naruhito walked in with International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach.
The opening ceremony is being held at the Olympic Stadium where the track and field events will be held.
As decided weeks ago, there were no spectators to witness the spectacle, which was watched by about a 1,000 dignitaries including US First Lady Jill Biden.
The ceremony sought to celebrate the athletes, who went through a whirlwind of emotion ever since the pandemic took away precious training time and left them grappling with the fear of the unknown.
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Centre prepared to bring back Indians stranded in West Asia: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
Bengaluru (PTI): The Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday.
In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.
“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.
Joshi said information has been received about Kannadigas facing hardship due to the severity of the Iran–Israel conflict, and urgent consultations have been held with senior ministers to take necessary measures for their protection.
Reassuring anxious families, the Minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely.
He noted that air travel in war-affected regions is currently risky and expert advice is being sought before taking further steps.
Joshi said efforts are also underway to assist those stranded in Dubai, where flight operations have been affected.
“No one should be anxious. Serious efforts are being made to bring them back safely,” he added.
