Tokyo Aquatics Center is seen after its grand opening ceremony Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Tokyo. ()PHOTO / AP)

TOKYO - Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike finally inaugurated on Saturday the Aquatics Center for next year’s rescheduled Olympics, seven months after it was supposed to open.

The Aquatics Center was due to officially open on March 22 but that event was cancelled over coronavirus fears. Two days later the entire Tokyo Games was postponed until 2021.

Organizers hope to welcome the world’s top swimmers and divers to the Center next year, as well as up to 15,000 fans. Organizers have yet to decide, however, whether supporters will be allowed into venues during the Games.

The Aquatics Center was due to officially open on March 22 but that event was cancelled over coronavirus fears. Two days later the entire Tokyo Games was postponed until 2021

ALSO READ: Japan pressing ahead with Olympics planning despite virus

The opening ceremony, with hundreds of officials in attendance, struck a hopeful tone. Koike was keen to stress that the US$523 million Aquatics Center will benefit Tokyo residents as well as Olympic athletes.

The ceremony was followed by diving and swimming exhibitions by Japanese athletes, including Rikako Ikee, whose battle back from leukaemia has been seen as a reflection of the Games’ own attempt at resurrection.

“There have been some unexpected things such as the postponement, but we need to hold a successful Games,” Koike said.

READ MORE: Tokyo marathon 2021 rescheduled until after Olympics

“I really hope that the wonderful swimmers can unleash their powers and the world’s top swimmers exhibit great performances at this center.

“By seeing Ikee in a healthy condition and her energetic swim (today), I have received courage.”

All of Tokyo’s Olympic venues were built or renovated on schedule for the Games, ready if they had gone ahead this year.

Organizers are now focusing on how to stage the world’s biggest sporting event amid a pandemic next July.