Olympics 2024: Paris Set For Grand Opening Ceremony

The 2024 Olympic Games is set to kick off today in Paris with an unparalleled opening ceremony. For the first time in history, the ceremony will not be conducted inside a stadium, as the traditional Parade of Nations will take place along the river Seine. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 PM IST. 

Instead of the traditional march into the stadium, Paris 2024 is breaking new ground with a first-of-its-kind ceremony. The parade of athletes will be held on the Seine with boats for each national delegation. The river parade will follow the course of the Seine, from east to west, over 6 kilometres and the athletes on board the boats will get glimpses of some of the official Olympic Games venues. The boats will also pass through some of the iconic destinations in Paris, including the Notre Dame and Pont des Arts. According to the Al Jazeera report, more than 100 heads of state and government will witness the event from the banks of the Seine. Additionally, over 300,000 spectators are expected to line the river.

Meanwhile, badminton star PV Sindhu and table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal will lead the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Parade of Nations. Notably, 112 athletes from India will compete in 69 medal events across 16 sports in Paris. Five reserve athletes will also be part of the Indian contingent.