Goodbye, Rio; hello, Tokyo

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike (right) waves the Olympic flag after taking it from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Despite a lack of funds and construction delays, the organizers managed to put together the world's biggest sports meet and transformed the city with its legacy.

A gleaming port district, a new subway line, a light rail service, express bus lanes, a road featuring Brazil's longest underground tunnel and state-of-the-art sports arenas are part of the infrastructure projects that benefit the Cariocas even before the Games.

The joyful nature of the Brazilians also add a bright color to the Games.

"The Brazilians were great hosts and united behind these Games. With the joy of life of the Brazilians they turned this into a great party for everybody," said Bach.

Chinese delegation head Liu agreed with the Olympic chief.

"The organizers' hard work laid foundation for the success of the Games. They tried their best to make improvement. We have so much new experience here that is hard to forget," said Liu.