The Tokyo Olympics By the Numbers
After a year’s delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, being held in 2021, are finally under way.
Millions around the world are tuning in to see the Olympic opening ceremony this afternoon, which has become embroiled in controversy after the director was forced out just one day before the event.
Kentaro Kobayashi was dismissed over past comments that “ridiculed the painful facts of history,” according to Tokyo 2020 organisers, which were in fact anti-Semitic comments made during a 1998 comedy act about the Holocaust. Japanese musician Keigo Oyamada, who has composed the music for the opening and closing ceremonies, has also stepped down amid allegations of previous bullying behaviour resurfaced.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, athletes from 200 countries parade in an almost empty stadium, in front of around 1,000 officials and dignitaries, rather than 68,000 fans. Japan’s Emperor Naruhito is in attendance but he has not been joined by any other member of the imperial family. First lady Jill Biden is also in attendance. “I think it will be a moment of joy and relief when entering the stadium,” said IOC president Thomas Bach earlier this week.
In addition to this afternoon’s ceremony, there will also be qualifiers in the archery and rowing competitions. Follow all the latest news and updates below.
