The colourful ceremony, lasting almost three hours, celebrated Brazil's arts and was held in a wet Maracana.

Among the highlights were Tokyo's impressive showcase and a vibrant carnival parade and a parade of athletes.

"These were a marvellous Olympics, in a marvellous city," said International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach.

"Over the last 16 days a united Brazil inspired the world, in difficult times for all of us, with its irresistible joy for life."

Bach officially closed the Games of the 31st Olympiad after 16 days of competition, featuring 11,303 athletes from 206 nations and a refugee team.

The US lead the medal table at the Rio Olympics with 46 golds, 37 silver and 38 bronze medals. Great Britain and China came second and third respectively.

The Olympic flame was extinguished by a rain shower, which then gave life to a large tree sculpture to symbolise rebirth.

One of the biggest cheers of the night came when Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared dressed as computer game character Super Mario, rising out of a huge green pipe in the stadium.

IOC President Thomas Bach handed over the Olympic flag to Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike.

The ceremony was watched by billions around the world but hundreds of empty seats at the stadium were noticed by many.

(BBC News)

(Pics : Dailymail)