Olympic Games like no other to get under way with no fans at opening ceremony

Key questions answered about Friday’s Games curtain raiser in Tokyo.

Published Jul 22, 2021

Last updated Jul 23, 2021

Tokyo is bracing for an opening ceremony like no other at the Olympic Stadium on Friday night.

The traditional lighting of the torch will take place in front of empty stands as the city buckles down in its battle against rising coronavirus rates.

The traditional athletes’ parade will still take place but its impact will be curtailed, with the biggest nations sending significantly reduced delegations to march round the stadium.

Here the PA news agency takes a look at what might be in the store at a ceremony that has been dogged by uncertainty and controversy.

Who is going to watch the ceremony?

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – Preview – Thursday July 22nd — The Tokyo opening ceremony will take place under a cloud (Mike Egerton/PA)

Will the traditional athletes’ parade take place?

2016 Rio Paralympic Games – Opening Ceremony — Unlike Rio 2016, no fans will be present in Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Why are countries allowed to name two flag bearers?

Mohamed Sbihi file photo — Mohamed Sbihi (pictured) and Hannah Mills will share flag-bearing duties (John Walton/PA)

What form will the ceremony take?

Tokyo Olympics — Tokyo organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto has had to cope with a succession of crises (Hiro Komae/AP)