Low-key opening ceremony marks virus-hit Tokyo Games
Gulf Today|July 24, 2021
‘It is an unforgettable moment of my life. I am feeling really honoured after raising the UAE flag at the opening ceremony...’ says Matrooshi; Emirates ban on India, Pakistan flights to continue till July 28.
Amir Naqvi
Low-key opening ceremony marks virus-hit Tokyo Games

The Tokyo Olympics began on Friday with the opening ceremony being held before a nearly empty National Stadium following a year’s delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place, only about 900 dignitaries and other officials were in the stands of the 68,000-seat venue, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, French President Emmanuel Macron, US First Lady Jill Biden, and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, who declared the Games open.

Participating in the Olympics is a passionate dream of any athlete. And Friday, July 23, 2021 will always be etched in the memory of promising UAE swimmer Yousuf Al Matrooshi as after getting a wildcard entry into the Tokyo games lady luck smiled again and he also enjoyed the honour of leading the country’s delegation at the opening ceremony.

Matrooshi, who will be competing in the 100-metre freestyle event on his Olympic debut, was the UAE flag-bearer at the opening ceremony in Tokyo.

Matrooshi expressed delight after becoming the flag-bearer. “It is an unforgettable moment of my life. I am feeling really honoured after raising the UAE flag at the opening ceremony of the tournament.

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