The Paris 2024 Olympics will kick off with a historic Opening Ceremony on the River Seine on Friday, July 26. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 PM IST and will be available for live viewing on TV and online in India.
Key Highlights
- The Paris 2024 Olympics will officially start with a historic Opening Ceremony.
- The Opening Ceremony will begin at 11:00 PM IST.
- The traditional Parade of Nations will take place along the River Seine.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will officially commence with a groundbreaking Opening Ceremony on the River Seine, featuring India among the participating nations. This event will signal the start of 16 days of elite competition across 32 disciplines.
A Unique Celebration
For the first time in Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony will take place outside a traditional stadium, opting for an open-air parade along a 6km stretch of the River Seine. The parade will start at Austerlitz Bridge and culminate at Trocadéro, in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. During the parade, performers will join delegations and passengers on the boats, enhancing the spectacle's grandeur.
India's Presence
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, and table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal, set to compete in his fifth Olympics, will lead the Indian contingent at the Parade of Nations. They will be the first athletes from their respective sports to serve as India's flag-bearers at an Olympic Opening Ceremony.
In Paris, a total of 112 athletes from India will compete in 69 medal events across 16 sports, with five reserve athletes also participating. During the ceremony, the Indian men will wear kurta bundi sets, and the women will don matching saris, reflecting the tricolour of India's flag. These outfits, featuring traditional ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade, have been designed by Tarun Tahiliani.
Location Details
The parade starts at the Austerlitz Bridge, near Jardin des Plantes, and follows the Seine River from east to west. It winds around two islands in the city center, passing under several bridges and gateways.
Athletes aboard the boats will see various Olympic venues, including La Concorde Urban Park (3x3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle cycling, skateboarding), Invalides (archery, marathon finish, time trial start for road cycling), and the Grand Palais (fencing, taekwondo). The parade concludes at the Iena Bridge, which connects the Eiffel Tower on the left bank to the Trocadéro district on the right bank.
The ceremony's finale will take place at Trocadéro, where French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remarks, among other ceremonial activities.
Complete Coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024
Who Will Lead the Indian Contingent?
Badminton star PV Sindhu and table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal will lead the Indian contingent at the Parade of Nations. They are notable for their significant contributions to their respective sports and will proudly carry the Indian flag.
Participation Details
Over 10,000 athletes representing 206 countries will participate in the river tour, showcasing Parisian landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Neuf. The ceremony will include French President Emmanuel Macron officially opening the Games and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic flame. Traditionally, Greece will be the first nation introduced during the ceremony, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team. Team GB's joint flag bearers will be diver Tom Daley and rower Helen Glover, who have collectively won three gold medals in previous Games.
Most details of the ceremony have been kept under wraps, adding to the anticipation and excitement. An impressive 326,000 tickets have been sold to spectators who will line the Seine to witness this historic event. "I'd like to show France in all its diversity," said Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's artistic director. "Illustrate the richness and plurality shaped by its history, which has been influenced and inspired by the diverse cultures that have passed through it, while itself serving as a source of inspiration."
Performances at the Ceremony
Various performers will be involved at all stages of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, including on individual boats during the parade. Canadian singer Celine Dion has arrived in Paris, fueling rumors of her participation in the ceremony. French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra hinted that Dion's presence in Paris is not coincidental. Another prominent name linked to the event is French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura. Reports suggest she might perform an Edith Piaf song, despite facing a racist backlash. Renowned stage director Thomas Jolly has been appointed as the artistic director for the various Paris 2024 ceremonies, aiming to highlight France's diversity and cultural richness.
When and Where to Watch in India
The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony will start at 11:00 PM IST. Fans in India can watch the live telecast on Sports18 1 SD and Sports18 1 HD TV channels.
To Conclude This Article, The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony promises to be a historic and spectacular event, celebrating the diversity and cultural richness of France while setting the stage for 16 days of elite athletic competition.