Naomi Osaka Lights Olympic Cauldron at Opening Ceremony of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The wait is over as the Olympics in Japan is finally declared open, after the lighting of the cauldron by Osaka came at the end of a considered and measured ceremony. It was titled ‘United by Emotion’ and delivered inside an empty Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

“Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honour I will ever have in my life,” Osaka said after the ceremony on social media.

“I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now, but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness. Love you guys, thank you.”

When Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, addressed the athletes within the arena, as well as the few members of the media and dignitaries that were allowed to be present, he delivered a message of solidarity and resilience.

“Today is a moment of hope,” Bach said. “Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined but let us cherish this moment because finally we are all here together.

“This is the power of sport, the message of solidarity, peace, and resilience.

“My fellow Olympic athletes, you had to face great challenges on your Olympic journey.

“You did not know when you could train again, if you could see your coach tomorrow, if your teammates would be with you for the next competition, or if this competition would take place at all.

“You struggled, you persevered, you never gave up. And today you are making your Olympic dream come true. You are true Olympic athletes.”

The ceremony was respectful of the current circumstances, with the majority of countries taking much smaller delegations of athletes than usual to it. The scale of the arrangements within the ceremony were also smaller than would otherwise have been the case.

A moment of silence featured to remember those who had been lost to COVID-19 and the Olympians who had passed away, including the Israeli athletes who lost their lives in Munich 1972. A revised Olympic motto was also shared: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.