Olympics End, Thomas Bach: Thank You Japan, Thank You Tokyo

This is the atmosphere during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, at the Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, Sunday 8 August. (Antara Photo)

JAKARTA - The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, officially closed the 2020 Tokyo Games, which had lasted for 16 days, in the closing ceremony at the National Stadium (Olympic Stadium) Tokyo, Sunday, August 8 evening. "I declare the Olympics closed," Bach said on the podium.

The closing was followed by dancing which then continued with the piano "Clair de Lune" by French composer Claude Debussy, as the Olympic fire cauldron closed.

Fireworks lit up the sky at Tokyo National Stadium, followed by the digital sign "Arigato," which means thank you in Japanese, in large print.

In his closing remarks, Bach thanked the athletes who fought in the Tokyo Olympics, and upheld solidarity under the roof of the Athlete Village.

"There are a lot of challenges to be faced because of the pandemic... and, this Olympics brings hope," said Bach.

"You are the best athletes in the world who made the Olympics a reality."

Not to forget, Bach thanked all the volunteers for their efforts and assistance, so that the Olympics could be realized.

Bach also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, as well as Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee Chair, Seiko Hashimoto. "Thank you Japan, thank you Tokyo," said Bach.