Dozens of dancers moved about while projection mappings showed connections between them, highlighting how people around the world, including the athletes, have formed fresh connections online during the lockdown. The ceremony is marked by high-profile absences, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wooed the Games to Tokyo. The protesters, a mix of people in white surgical masks, yelled “Stop the Olympics” as they marched. Only a third of the nation have had even one dose of vaccines, prompting worries the Games could become a super-spreader event. About 11,000 athletes from 204 national Olympic committees are expected, along with a team of refugee athletes competing under the Olympic flag.

Source: The Star July 23, 2021 12:25 UTC