Paris Olympics 2024: Indian contingents dominate the opening ceremony, watch here
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian contingent was in high spirits as they participated in the Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. Athletes energetically chanted "India! India!" as their boat glided down the River Seine on Friday, July 26.
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Those smiles carry the dreams and aspirations for glory ????of a billion Indians ????????????
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) July 26, 2024
The Indian contingent has arrived officially at the #OpeningCeremony of #Paris2024! ????#OlympicsOnJioCinema #OlympicsOnSports18 #JioCinemaSports #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/madpvuv9zA
PV Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal led India in the iconic floating Parade of Nations, with the boat adorned in the tri-colour and filled with smiling athletes. The Seine River hosted the grand opening ceremony, marking a historic first for the Olympics by holding the curtain-raiser outside a traditional stadium. Seventy-eight Indian athletes and support staff sailed the boat representing India in the Parade of Nations. Sindhu and Sharath looked dapper, waving the Indian flag and acknowledging the support from thousands of fans gathered along the banks of the River Seine.
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India is represented by 117 athletes, including 47 women, at the Paris Games, aiming to surpass their best-ever tally of seven medals achieved at the Tokyo Olympics. The Parade of Nations began with Greece and spanned a 6 km stretch along the River Seine, from Austerlitz Bridge to Trocadéro, in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Notable athletes in the floating parade included Sumit Nagal and Lakshya Sen. Legendary Prakash Padukone and India's Chef de Mission Gagan Narang were also on the boat.
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The opening ceremony featured performances from top artists, including Lady Gaga, as organizers showcased famous Parisian monuments and highlighted the host nation's history and motto. The wait for sports fans worldwide ended as the Paris Olympics 2024 commenced with a mega opening ceremony on the Seine River. A viral video captured the Indian athletes chanting "Jeetega Bhai Jeetega, India Jeetega" from the ship and waving the tri-colour flag. However, the event witnessed a bizarre moment when the Olympics flag was hoisted upside down, adding an unexpected twist to the ceremony.