‘Greatest honour’ as Osaka lights Olympic flame

Naomi Osaka had the honour of lighting the cauldron to start the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games overnight, in a ceremony without spectators at the 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, becoming the third generation of his family to do so, but it was Osaka who climbed the steps to light the cauldron.

The event, which has seen strong criticism from Japanese public amid the covid pandemic, was not attended by Japan’s leading politicians.

Born in Japan and raised in the USA, Osaka is playing tennis for Japan at the Olympics, where she is a firm favourite for gold.

“Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honour I will ever have in my life,” Osaka said after lighting the cauldron.

“I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness. Love you guys thank you.”

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

4 weeks ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

4 weeks ago

Djokovic rolls Cobolli as Shanghai fights to restore order

Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai…

4 weeks ago

Innocent umpiring error screws Stan in Shanghai

Stan Wawrinka may have been inadvertently short-changed during Monday's third-round loss at the Shanghai Masters…

4 weeks ago

Sinner sweeps Fritz to win US Open

Jannik Sinner schooled Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to win his second Grand Slam title…

2 months ago

Sabalenka wins Open title for Grand Slam hat-trick

Aryana Sabalenka completed a Grand Slam title hat-trick on Saturday as she fought from 5-3…

2 months ago