Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have finally emerged from the Covid shadow and kicked off, minus much of its glamour, glitz, and euphoria that usually surrounds the four-yearly international sporting spectacle. The opening ceremony started off with a moment of silence as a mark of respect to those who have died in the pandemic, and with a silent prayer to come through this event unscathed from the grip of the virus.
Every nation has its story to tell at the Olympics, a story about trials and tribulations, about what it has endured and what it offers to the world. Countries use this opportunity to boost their economics while also basking in the global spotlight and showcasing their goodwill in a golden foil. None of that is going to happen with Japan.
The opening ceremony was a clear reflection that Tokyo had shifted its goalposts. The narrative of Japan's recovery from the massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami for its campaign to host the 2020 Olympics lay buried as the hosts went about showcasing its preparedness and fight against Covid in a valiant attempt to tide over anger and local opposition that has cast a shadow over the event.
The Games have been put to test on Day-1. Nineteen more people, three of them staying at the Olympic village, have tested positive for Covid, taking the tally of infections to 106. This excludes the many athletes and officials testing positive at pre-games camps. Covid cases in Tokyo have surpassed the spikes recorded in May and the fearful Delta variant has made its presence felt, and that is scary.
The road ahead is never going to be easy from here. The hosts could face a crisis of catastrophic proportions if it fails to cope up with testing, tracking and isolating infected individuals without letting the virus proliferate. To make matters worse, a large section of its population is still not completely vaccinated, and Tokyo could end up plunging further into a crisis. The State will have to ensure that not only Covid protocol is maintained, but also provide a safe and secure environment to the thousands of athletes and accompanying contingents.
The organisers not only have a monumental task of hosting the Olympics on an already inflated budget but also run the risk of facing global ridicule. While athletes and sportspersons engage in a fierce competition for glory, Tokyo's glory hangs on a thin thread of hope as it strives to come out of this maze unharmed.
Nonetheless, the Olympics offer a great opportunity for all to see the beauty of diverse sportspersons coming together. The event which revolves around global togetherness and oneness has its own uniqueness. However, it is the spirit of these athletes who stand up bravely to give it their all against the backdrop of adversities, odds and human tragedies that needs to be saluted. It is this unflinching spirit that will keep the flame of the Olympics alive.
