In Pics: Tokyo Olympics officially opens in style at empty stadium
In an opening ceremony marked by simplicity, one tradition held on Friday (July 23) as athletes paraded into the Olympic stadium by national groups, waving but with smiles hidden behind masks, and most having both male and female flagbearers for the first time. The Tokyo Games like no other opened with fireworks illuminating an almost empty National Stadium and a moment of silence to honour those lost to COVID-19, with a nod to Japanese tradition represented by wooden Olympic rings linked to the 1964 Games.
Zee Media Bureau
| Jul 23, 2021, 17:55 PM IST
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Fireworks in the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics.
![Fireworks in the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics. Fireworks at the grand opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. (Source: Twitter)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/07/23/953618-galleryopeninglead.jpg)
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Performers at the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics
![Performers at the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics Dance show marks the opening of the Tokyo Olympics on Friday (July 23). (Source: Twitter)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/07/23/953617-galleryopeningceremony.jpg)
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Boxer MC Mary Kom
![Boxer MC Mary Kom 2012 London Olympic bronze-medal winning boxer MC Mary Kom gets ready for opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics. (Source: Twitter)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/07/23/953616-gallerymaryopening.jpg)
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Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics
![Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics The entire Indian contingent which took part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. (Source: Twitter)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/07/23/953615-galleryindiaopening.jpg)