The Paris Olympics began with a spectacular and innovative opening ceremony, marking the city’s first time hosting the Games in a century. While some events kicked off earlier on Wednesday, the official opening took place on Friday with a groundbreaking public ceremony that defied tradition.
For the first time in Olympic history, the Seine River served as the grand stage for the opening festivities. The parade, which commenced from the Austerlitz Bridge and extended to Trocadéro, spanned an impressive 6 kilometers along the river. The event drew a massive crowd of spectators who lined both sides of the river and the bridge, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.
The parade was a lively spectacle, featuring music and dance performances that added to the festive mood. Despite an interruption from rain, the enthusiasm among athletes remained high. The Indian team made a notable appearance, led by medalists PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal, with a total of 78 Indian athletes and officials taking part in the grand procession.
In total, 6,800 athletes participated in the opening ceremony, sailing in 85 boats along the Seine, making for a truly memorable start to the Paris Olympics.