Official Olympics medal tally

Paris 2024 Olympics Begin with 160 Boats in Unique Opening Ceremony on River Seine

Jul 26, 2024, 05:32 PM

The 2024 Paris Olympics officially began today with a unique and historic opening ceremony along the River Seine. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony featured a flotilla of around 160 boats, including over 90 boats carrying thousands of athletes down the 6km stretch of the river. The event, attended by 300,000 spectators, showcased the athletes in a Parade of Nations on the water instead of the traditional stadium march. India's contingent was led by flag bearers PV Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal. The Refugee Olympic Team, with a significant number of Iranian athletes, also participated. The ceremony was held under tight security, with 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security staff ensuring safety. The torch was carried by land, water, and sky, adding to the spectacle. Despite the rain, the ceremony highlighted the city's iconic landmarks and included 12 themed stages along the river.