The opening ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 23 after a year of waiting due to the pandemic. Let's take a look at the highlights which make this opening ceremony unique.
No spectators
There will be no spectators during the opening ceremony in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus infections. About 950 people, including officials and journalists, will watch in the main stadium, organizers said.
Fewer athletes are expected to attend the ceremony because many are not allowed to stay for the entire Games due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The International Olympic Committee has actively encouraged all delegations to select two flag-bearers at the opening ceremony, including one woman, as women's participation in the Tokyo Games will reach 48.8 percent, making it the most gender-balanced Olympics in the history of the event.
Team China will be led by two flag-bearers - women's volleyball star Zhu Ting and reigning men's taekwondo champion Zhao Shuai at the ceremony.
One of the most symbolic parts of the opening ceremony – the Olympic oath – has been significantly adapted in order to "highlight the importance of solidarity, inclusion, non-discrimination and equality".
The number of oath-takers will also be extended from three to six - two athletes, two coaches and two judges.
