US congratulates Tokyo on Olympics win

A flame is ignited at the Olympic cauldron, which was used at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, at National Stadium in Tokyo to celebrate the city’s successful bid to host the 2020 Olympics, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. A half-century after the 1964 games heralded Japan’s reemergence from destruction and defeat in World War II, the city’s triumphant bid to host the 2020 summer games is giving this aging nation a chance to revive both its sagging spirits and its stagnating economy. High-rise buildings at Tokyo’s Shinjuku district are seen in the background. AP

WASHINGTON – The White House congratulated Tokyo Sunday on its winning bid to host the 2020 Olympics, saying its rich culture, tradition and energy make it the perfect pick.

The Japanese capital outdid Istanbul and Madrid Saturday to secure the honor at a meeting of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Argentina.

“On behalf of President Obama and the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the city of Tokyo, and our close ally Japan, on its selection as host of the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the White House said in a statement.

“Tokyo’s rich culture, tradition, and energy make it a fitting choice to host the 2020 Games,” it said.

“Just as we did in 1964, we look forward to cheering on Team USA in a city that embodies the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect, and friendship as together we promote international understanding through sport.”

Tokyo previously hosted the Summer Games in 1964.

The vote for Tokyo – which came third in the race for the 2016 Games won by Rio de Janeiro – means it will be the fourth time Japan plays host to the Olympics, having also organized Winter Games in Nagano (1998) and Sapporo (1972).