The Tokyo 2020 Games were announced to close on Sunday by IOC chief executive Thomas Bach, who said it was “the most difficult trip of the Olympics” after a year-long delay and cancellation threats.
Bach called the Tokyo Games “unprecedented” as he spoke at the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium, which was empty to spectators as Japan battled the outbreak of coronavirus.
In these difficult times that we all live in, he gives the world the most precious gift: hope, ”the president of the International Olympic Committee told athletes at the event.
“Now I have to mark the end of this very challenging Olympic trip to Tokyo: I am announcing the closure of the 32th Olympiad Games,” Bach said.
It has highlighted the basic end of the extraordinary Olympics that played more in empty spaces than just the athletes, team managers and the media present.
Athletes live in a strong security environment by keeping away from the public in Olympic Village and the rules of wearing a mask without eating, sleeping, training or competing.
When the Olympic flag was flown to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo for the 2024 Games, live footage showed cheering crowds in the French capital - unlike Tokyo.
Bach explained how the IOC is looking to cancel the Olympics and claim costs for its insurance but said officials are plowing ahead by hosting the Games.
