The Paris Olympics 2024 is set to commence on July 26, with an unprecedented opening ceremony that will take place along the iconic river Seine, rather than inside a traditional stadium. This historic event will feature the Indian contingent, adding to the excitement of the games. Here’s what you need to know about the opening ceremony, the Indian team’s participation, and their position in the Parade of Nations.

A unique start to the Paris Olympics 2024

For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will not occur within a stadium but will unfold on the river Seine, which winds through the heart of Paris. Over 10,000 athletes from around the world will travel on approximately 100 boats, cruising past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Notre Dame, Pont des Arts, and Pont Neuf. The ceremony is expected to last more than three hours, starting from the Austerlitz Bridge near the Jardin des Plantes and concluding at the Trocadéro with the final celebrations.

India’s presence at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony

India’s contingent, having achieved a historic medal haul at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, including a gold, is poised for another impressive performance. The Indian team will be represented by 117 athletes, including five reserves, competing in 69 events across 16 sports. Notably, the flag-bearers for India will be two-time medallist P.V. Sindhu, a badminton star, and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal. Sindhu is marking her third Olympic appearance, while Kamal is competing in his fifth. This will be the first time athletes from these sports have carried the flag for India.

In a traditional touch, the Indian contingent will don Kurta Bundi sets for the men and matching saris for the women, reflecting the colours of the Indian flag.

Parade of Nations: India’s position and notable entries

As is customary, Greece will lead the Parade of Nations, honouring the birthplace of the ancient Olympics and the city that hosted the first modern Games in 1896. Following Greece, the Indian team will appear as the 84th nation, positioned between Hungary and Indonesia in the procession. The host nation, France, will be the last to enter, as the 205th country, with the United States of America (USA) preceding them at 204, being the next host for the 2028 Olympics. Australia, set to host the 2032 Games, will be the 203rd nation in the parade.

The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony promises to be a grand and memorable event, reflecting both the rich history of the Olympics and the vibrant spirit of the host city. The Indian contingent’s participation is set to add to the spectacle, with anticipation building for their performances in the coming days.

  Indian contingent, Opening Ceremony, P.V. Sindhu, Parade of Nations, Paris Olympics 2024, River Seine, Sharath Kamal