The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics began on Friday in a nearly empty stadium after a year-long pandemic postponement and a build-up marred by scandal and controversy. The ceremony is taking place without spectators in front of several hundred dignitaries, including Emperor Naruhito of Japan, French President Emmanuel Macron and US First Lady Jill Biden.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Friday in Tokyo.
Indian Boxer Mary Kom stands before the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics as a flag bearer of India.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Friday.
Fireworks illuminate over the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Olympics views from Shibuya Sky observation deck on Friday.
Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics 2020 in Tokyo on Friday.
Indian contingent at Tokyo Olympics 2020 in Tokyo on Friday.