The president of the Tokyo Games organizing committee said Monday she is "proud" of Japan having hosted the Olympics and Paralympics despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a news conference a day after the closing of the Paralympics, Seiko Hashimoto said the organizers held the Tokyo Games after a one-year postponement without major problems and with an emphasis on the safety of all participants and the Japanese public.
"I am proud of (Japan) having hosted the Olympics and Paralympics, the first global events in the world since the pandemic, and pass the baton to Paris," Hashimoto said, in reference to the host city of the next Summer Games in 2024.