An evening in Paris: France dazzles world with colourful, vibrant Olympics opening ceremony


PTI, Jul 27, 2024, 8:18 AM IST

Image credit: AFP

The city of Paris turned into a colossal amphitheatre, and the iconic river Seine served as a track for the athletes’ parade as France showcased its cultural diversity, spirit of revolution, impeccable craftsmanship and architectural heritage in a riveting opening ceremony for the 33rd Olympic Games here on Friday.

The spectacle started with a dreamy break from tradition as ‘Parade of Nations’ kicked off the proceedings in which athletes from 205 countries and one refugee team sailed down the Seine on boats despite rain threatening to play spoilsport.

French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach were in attendance as French football legend Zinedine Zidane was shown sprinting down the streets of Paris with the Olympic flame in a pre-recorded video before action went live.

The six kilometer parade began from Austerlitz bridge and 85 boats carried more than 6800 athletes amid loud cheers from the gathered crowd. A good number of athletes also skipped the incredible show due to their competitions on Saturday.

The sequence of arrivals followed the French alphabetical order. The first to arrive was the Greek contingent, for being the spiritual home of the Games, followed by the Refugee team.

The Indian contingent is being led by two flag-bearers — two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and table tennis legend A Sharath Kamal.

The boats passed through the iconic landmarks of the city such as the restored Cathedral of Notre Dame, which was gutted in a fire five years ago, the iconic Louvre Museum and also a few of Games venues.

American Pop superstar Lady Gaga was among the first international artists to enthral the assembled crowd. The ceremony is being helmed by artistic director Thomas Jolly.

Amid the colourful proceedings, a mysterious torch-bearer also became a focus of attention as he darted around the city and its most famous landmarks, holding the flame.

The bridges dotting the parade route featured dance performances for the fans, who had gathered at different spots after more than two lakh free tickets were distributed aside from the over one lakh that were sold.

The French organisers had promised an unforgettable spectacle, overcoming unprecedented logistical and security challenges to make an entire city the venue of the ceremony.

India is being represented by 117 athletes, including 47 women, in the sporting spectacle.

The organisers have claimed that the ceremony will be the biggest in Games history with more than 300,000 people watching on the banks of the Seine and billions tuned in on television.

This is the third time Paris is hosting the Olympics after 1900 and 1924.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Rahul Gandhi refrains from criticising Modi at poll campaign, says it is ‘boring’

BCCI to discuss NZ whitewash, some star seniors could be phased out post Australia series

Maharashtra polls: BJP rebel withdraws nomination from Udgir in support of NCP candidate

No one should be displaced over Waqf land issue in Kerala’s Munambam, says CPI

Non-performance of batters is worrying, we will strive to do something special in Australia: Rohit

K-Rail can be implemented if technical issues in design addressed, says Centre

Naxalism will be wiped out from country by March 2026: Home Minister Amit Shah

Related Articles More

BCCI to discuss NZ whitewash, some star seniors could be phased out post Australia series

Non-performance of batters is worrying, we will strive to do something special in Australia: Rohit

Rohit Sharma hints at missing opening Test against Australia

Pant’s heroics in vain; New Zealand inflict humiliating 3-0 whitewash on India

Ball-change controversy involving Kishan dominates India A’s 7-wicket loss to Australia A

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Batteries, blades among 56 metal objects removed from UP teen’s stomach; patient dies post surgery

Rahul Gandhi refrains from criticising Modi at poll campaign, says it is ‘boring’

Rahul Gandhi refrains from criticising Modi at poll campaign, says it is ‘boring’

BCCI to discuss NZ whitewash, some star seniors could be phased out post Australia series

Maharashtra polls: BJP rebel withdraws nomination from Udgir in support of NCP candidate

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.