:-Abhijit Deshmukh
The opening ceremony usually stands as a major showcase of the host nation, but with surging COVID-19 cases in and around Tokyo, organizers have ruled out spectators at most Olympic events.
Former prime minister of Japan Shinzo Abe decided against attending the ceremony after the government declared a state of emergency and virus restrictions over Tokyo, in an effort to minimize health risks among residents and visitors.
COVID-19 infections have jumped in the capital and are projected to spike further, straining health providers. The IOC has not ruled out that games might be cancelled at last moment.
