Paris is all set to host the Olympics as thousands of athletes are poised to take part in the opening ceremony. Up to 7,500 athletes from 206 nations will embark on a six-kilometre journey on 85 boats, passing by hundreds of thousands of spectators and a star-studded audience at the iconic River Seine.
This is the first time in Olympic Games history that the opening ceremony will take place outside the main stadium. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, 26th July at 11:00 PM IST.
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised an “incredible” show, with rumours circulating about performances by Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura.
When will India come to the opening ceremony?
In the opening ceremony, Greece always comes first to honour the country that started the Olympic Games. After Greece, the nations will come in alphabetical order, according to French. India will enter 84th. France will come last at number 205 as the host nation. Before France, the USA will enter as the 204th nation since they are the host of the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Who will be the flagbearers from India?
India’s shuttler and two-time medal winner PV Sindhu will be the flag bearer along with Indian ace table tennis player Sharath Achanta Kamal at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Security challenges
The riverine spectacle presents significant security challenges. France is on high alert for terrorism, and organizers have faced constant scrutiny over the feasibility of the plan. A massive security operation involving tens of thousands of police, military, and private security personnel will be in place. Snipers will be positioned on rooftops, and armed officers will be on the boats. The Israeli and Palestinian teams will receive heightened protection amid ongoing tensions.
Sporting action is underway
While the opening ceremony is the main event, the Games have already begun. Football, rugby sevens, and archery have kicked off. This Olympics, Simone Biles is set to make her return to the Olympic stage.
