Rio 2016 was an ‘iconic Games,’ says IOC’s Bach

But it was the “soft legacy” of the undeniably great sport that has been delivered over the last fortnight that seemed to excite the former Olympic fencing champion most of all.

An OCI statement said Rio police also took unused Olympic tickets held by the Irish officials that were meant to be for “athletes’ families and friends”.

“We have shown that we are ready to face social reality and to address this”.

“The IOC distributes over 90% of the revenue it receives in order to support sport at all levels around the world”, the organization said. “There are no regrets whatsoever”.

Britain’s Nicola Adams became the first woman to retain an Olympic boxing title in the flyweight division.

Brazilian National Anthem was then sung by 27 children, representing country’s 26 states plus the Federal District, accompanied by a powerful percussion band, which was preceded by a tribute to some important songs and composers of Brazilian popular music. Beach volleyball on Copacabana, the Sambadrome, the sailing…they are all iconic venues. We knew this when we arrived and we think the Brazilian authorities have adressed this appropriately, ” he added.

Though International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven is openly expressing concern about attendances to those Games yet to come, Bach likened the slow sales for the Paralympics to a recollection of the situation in London four years ago.

Japan, the furthest country from Brazil, used augmented reality technology in its eye-catching section of the ceremony which featured manga and anime characters including Mario – he ran through a pipe which supposedly connected Tokyo with Rio, then, centre stage at the Maracana, morphed into Japan’s prime minister.

“The cost of the Games has not rocketed”, Bach said.

Bach thanked the volunteers, athletes and the Refugee Olympic Team who participated in the Games for the first time.

“I hope I’ve set the bar high enough that no one can do it again”.

This was after the Olympic flag was lowered and handed over to the representative of Tokyo 2020, the next host of the Games. The website will bring together written content, videos and animations about great victories and decisive sporting moments. The channel, which, as of 21 August, is available online and on android and iOS mobile devices, initially in English, provides sports fans around the world with the opportunity to access Olympic-related content throughout the year.