The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics unfolded in Paris, with the Indian contingent making a grand entrance. Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav led Team India in the Parade of Nations. Flagbearers Sumit Antil, the world record holder in javelin F64, and Bhagyashree Jadhav proudly carried the Indian flag. Sumit and the male athletes were dressed in white pyjamas and kurtas paired with tri-colour blazers, while the female athletes looked elegant in sarees.
French President Emmanuel Macron and International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons were also in attendance at the La Concorde in the French capital.
India sends its largest contingent to the games
India is sending its largest contingent to the Paris Paralympics, with a total of 84 athletes competing for medals. India made history at the last Games in Tokyo by winning a record 19 medals with a team of 54 athletes. This time, the country is aiming for at least 25 medals.
Opening ceremony in numbers
The Paris Paralympics opening ceremony featured 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations worldwide. The event showcased a parade down the Champs-Élysées to Place de La Concorde, complemented by unique artistic performances.
