Tokyo 2020: "The Olympic Games of hope, solidarity and peace" (Thomas Bach, IOC)

"The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are the Olympic Games of hope, solidarity and peace," said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, at the closing ceremony of the 32^nd Olympiad of the modern era, in Tokyo (JPN), on 08/08/2021.

The German was delighted with the unfolding of the global event, which was not expected to be a success. Postponed by 52 weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic - the Games were initially due to be held from Friday 24/07 to Sunday 09/08/2020 - the Tokyo Games were also subjected to a near total closure on all events, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was even forced to reinstate a state of emergency in the Japanese capital to fight the Delta variant on 12/07 before extending it on 30/07 until 31/08/2021.

"For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together. Sport returned to centre stage. Billions of people around the globe were united by emotion, sharing moments of joy and inspiration. This gives us hope. This gives us faith in the future," said the IOC president.

"Our deep gratitude and appreciation go to the Organising…