Home News Thousands of drones form incredible globe flying over Tokyo’s stadium as Olympic Games begin with epic opening ceremony

Thousands of drones form incredible globe flying over Tokyo’s stadium as Olympic Games begin with epic opening ceremony

July 23, 2021
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 THE Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have officially been launched after an explosive opening ceremony - which included over 1,800 drones flying in unison to form a spectacular, illuminated globe.

Having been delayed by year due to the coronavirus pandemic, expectations were high for the show-stopping event.

Nearly 2,000 drones took to the sky to perfectly form a globe late on in an incredible opening ceremony for the 2020 Olympics
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Nearly 2,000 drones took to the sky to perfectly form a globe late on in an incredible opening ceremony for the 2020 OlympicsCredit: Getty
The Olympic flame was lit by tennis ace Naomi Osaka to bring down the curtain on a four-hour opening ceremony
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The Olympic flame was lit by tennis ace Naomi Osaka to bring down the curtain on a four-hour opening ceremonyCredit: AFP
The world was stunned as 1,800 drones flocked together to form an illuminated globe
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The world was stunned as 1,800 drones flocked together to form an illuminated globeCredit: AFP
The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Games finally arrived after a year-long delay - as fireworks boomed in the sky and performers lit up the National Stadium
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The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Games finally arrived after a year-long delay - as fireworks boomed in the sky and performers lit up the National StadiumCredit: EPA
Team GB arrived in the stadium as they paraded around the National Stadium in Tokyo
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Team GB arrived in the stadium as they paraded around the National Stadium in TokyoCredit: Reuters
Tokyo was illuminated as the Olympic opening ceremony opened the Games with a bang
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Tokyo was illuminated as the Olympic opening ceremony opened the Games with a bangCredit: AP
The focal point of the ceremony was a runner on a treadmill as Tokyo reflected on the coronavirus pandemic
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The focal point of the ceremony was a runner on a treadmill as Tokyo reflected on the coronavirus pandemicCredit: Getty
Performers surrounded the iconic Olympic rings during a busy opening ceremony
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Performers surrounded the iconic Olympic rings during a busy opening ceremonyCredit: AFP
The national flag of Japan was carried across the arena before it was raised
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The national flag of Japan was carried across the arena before it was raisedCredit: Reuters
Fireworks lit up the sky to officially open the Tokyo 2020 Games
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Fireworks lit up the sky to officially open the Tokyo 2020 GamesCredit: Getty

And while there was a sombre nod to the pandemic - with an athlete working out on a treadmill in the middle of the National Stadium - it was an otherwise colourful affair.

The Tokyo skyline was illuminated by fireworks after the Olympic flame was delivered to the Japanese capital.

Fanfare, famous faces, theatre and even kabuki dance - the spectacle would have unfolded in front of a packed, 68,000-strong crowd.

At one stage, nearly 2,000 DRONES soared to the sky to create a glittering globe - with many quick to call it 'the enduring image of these Games' already.

Instead of the usual loud, crowded event, the festival had a somewhat more intimate feel, with just a handful of VIPs invited to watch.

And it was the same story for the competitors, with a limited number of athletes allowed inside the stadium.

Just 22 of Team GB's 375-strong squad were allowed to parade around the stadium, with sailor Hannah Mills and rower Moe Sbihi the flagbearers.

Among the showstoppers was Tongan cult icon Pita Taufatofua.

The athlete is now competing at his third-straight Games - taking part in both summer and winter events.

And Taufatofua arrived proudly showing off his trademark oiled chest.

But he was given a run for his money this year by Vanuatu's rowing sensation Rio Rii - whose pecs also glistened under the moonlight and fireworks.

Meanwhile, IOC boss Thomas Bach claimed the troubled Olympics would shine a 'light at the end of this dark tunnel' for the rest of the world - with 11,000 athletes converging from around the world to compete.

Bach claimed: “Today, the Olympic athletes are sending a resounding message of hope to our fragile world.

“The Opening Ceremony will highlight this Olympic message of resilience, solidarity and unity of all humankind in overcoming the pandemic.

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The lighting of the torch brought with it an end to the marathon, four-hour opening ceremony
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The lighting of the torch brought with it an end to the marathon, four-hour opening ceremonyCredit: Reuters
The opening ceremony took place on Friday as Tokyo put on a show
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The opening ceremony took place on Friday as Tokyo put on a showCredit: AFP
Every country made their way into the stadium carrying their national flag
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Every country made their way into the stadium carrying their national flagCredit: Getty
The sound of fireworks rung around the Japanese capital to mark the Games' opening
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The sound of fireworks rung around the Japanese capital to mark the Games' openingCredit: AFP
There was another appearance for Tongan cult hero Pita Taufatofua at the ceremony
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There was another appearance for Tongan cult hero Pita Taufatofua at the ceremonyCredit: AFP
Vanuata rower Rio Rii rivalled Pita Taufatofua with his oiled-up, topless, flag-bearing routine
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Vanuata rower Rio Rii rivalled Pita Taufatofua with his oiled-up, topless, flag-bearing routineCredit: PA

“The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are a light at the end of this dark tunnel.

“Over the coming days, the athletes will inspire us all with their athletic excellence.

“In doing so, they will exemplify the true meaning of 'Higher, Faster, Stronger - Together'.

The Olympic torch relay ends in Tokyo ahead of the opening ceremony of the delayed Game
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