The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Sunday declared the Tokyo 2020 Olympics closed after a year of delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In these difficult times we are all living through, you give the world the most precious of gifts: hope,” the International Olympic Committee president told athletes at the closing ceremony.

“And now I have to mark the end of this most challenging Olympic journey to Tokyo: I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Olympic flag was handed over to Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris - the host city of the 2024 Summer Games, by IOC chief Thomas Bach at the Tokyo 2020 closing ceremony.

Here's what happened during the closing ceremony.

August 8, 6:38PM: IOC president Thomas Bach declares the Tokyo 2020 Olympics closed

IOC president Thomas Bach gave a fitting tribute to the athletes.

"You inspired us with this unifying power of sport. This was even more remarkable given the many challenges you had to face because of the pandemic. The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are the Olympic Games of hope, solidarity, and peace.

"I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed. In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble in Paris, France, in three years' "time to celebrate the Games of the 33rd Olympiad."

August 8, 6:15PM: Olympic flag handover

The Olympic flag is handed from Governor of Tokyo, KOIKE Yuriko, to IOC President Thomas Bach as he passes to Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris - the host city of 2024 Summer Games.

August 8, 5:45PM: India finish 48th on the medal table

India finish 48th out of 205 participating NOCs on the medals tally at Tokyo 2020 Olympics, their best-ever medal tally.  They finish with one gold, two silvers and  four bronze medals.

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