(VOVworld) – The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics closed in a magnificent ceremony held at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (Vietnam time).
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| Fireworks went off over the Maracana as Rio said farewell to the Games (Photo: BBC) |
The colorful event, much like the Opening 16 days ago, featured Brazil’s cultures with jovial dancing and music of South America. It started with a parade of flags and athletes from countries that participated in the Rio Games. Next was the handover of the Olympic flag to Tokyo, the next host of the 2020 Olympics. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who dressed as game character Super Mario appeared on the main stage of the ceremony.
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| Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike recevied the Olympic flag (Photo: BBC) |
The President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee thanked the Brazil’s government and Rio de Janeiro for the success of the 31st Olympics, the first held in Latin America.
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| Gymnast Simone Biles, who won four gold medals, carried the USA's flag (Photo: BBC) |
The USA team topped the medal tally with 121 medals including 46 golds. The Vietnam team had its most successful tournament in history with 1 gold and 1 silver medals of shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh, and finished 48th. Vinh has opened a new page for Vietnam’s sports in the Olympic competitions.