Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony begins
Tokyo, Aug 8: Held amid the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic, the 32nd Olympic Games began drawing to an end on Sunday with a closing ceremony that sought to give the message of moving forward.
The ceremony opened with a video that looked back on the 17 days of events and competition.
Fireworks went off at the stadium to mark the beginning of the final chapter in which the organisers "expressed gratitude for the countless individuals who lent us their strength and helped us make it to the Closing Ceremony."
This was followed by Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach's appearance in the official stand.
The focus of the opening video was not records and scores but the valiant efforts of all the athletes, who competed in a strictly enforced bio-bubble, undergoing daily COVID-19 tests.
The salient message of the ceremony was that the Games will open the door to a brighter future.
India certainly could look towards that brighter future after claiming its best ever haul of seven medal, including their first gold medal in 13 years, from javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who is also going back as the country's first track-and-field medallist at the Games
The country's haul also had two silver and four bronze medals.
Photo Courtesy: @Tokyo2020 | Twitter
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UP: Congress workers in Amethi celebrate Priyanka Gandhi's birthday
Amethi (UP) (PTI): Congress National General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's birthday was celebrated at the party's office in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi on Monday.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is the Lok Sabha MP from Kerala's Wayanad, turned 54 on Monday.
The party workers on the occasion exchanged sweets and wished her a long and healthy life. Her leadership and dedication to public service were also praised.
Lok Sabha MP from Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma, congratulated Priyanka Gandhi on her birthday.
In a post on Facebook, Sharma wrote, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to Congress General Secretary and popular Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Ji, a leader with an unwavering commitment to public service, and a dynamic and influential leader who stands with the common people in every situation."
Calling her struggle and dedication are an inspiration to party workers, District Congress unit President Pradeep Singhal said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has always championed the voices of the common people, women, youth, and farmers.
District spokesperson of the Congress, Anil Singh, said that the "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram," against the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) Act, which will run from January 12 to 29, was also launched on Monday.
From today onwards, Congress workers will go to villages and expose the truth about the central government's scheme, formerly known as MGNREGA, and how the government is violating people's rights, attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, and promoting communalism.
The VB-G RAM G Act replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, enacted by the UPA government in 2005.
Warm birthday wishes to AICC General Secretary and MP, @priyankagandhi ji. I wish her good health, happiness and a bright future ahead.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 12, 2026
Her compassion and courage, steadfast commitment to the Constitution, and strong voice, both inside and outside the Parliament, fighting for…
