World: The rescheduled 2020 Summer Olympics will kick start today with a grand opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Tokyo. Amid the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the live telecast of Tokyo Olympics 2021 opening ceremony is scheduled at 4:30 pm according to the Indian Standard Time (IST).
Despite opposition in Japan, Olympics and Japanese officials have forged ahead to hosting more than 11,000 athletes, staff, and media persons. In an effort to minimize the health risks among the residents as well as the visitors, spectators have been barred and several restrictions have been imposed.
Mary Kom and Manpreet Singh will be the flag bearers for India. A total of 127 athletes from India will be taking part in Olympics from across 18 disciplines in 69 cumulative events. In the ceremony, India is at serial number 21 in the march past. Only six officials will be participating in each participating nation.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “Tokyo Olympics shall demonstrate to the world what can be achieved with the right plan and measures”. He further said that the Olympics has the power to bring the world together.