For the first time in a century, Paris, the global fashion capital, will host the Olympics with a grand opening ceremony on Friday. The event, set to begin at 11 pm Indian time, will feature a unique procession where 10,000 athletes will parade along the river Seine in boats and barges, covering a six-kilometer route. The ceremony will include a temporary stage on the riverbanks for the lighting of the Olympic torch. Football matches have already commenced, and this marks Paris’s third time hosting the Olympics, having previously done so in 1900 and 1924.
India will be represented by veteran table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal and Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu as flagbearers during the March Past. This Olympics also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first Malayali participation, with CK Lakshmanan of Kannur competing in the 1924 Olympics.
The Games will be broadcast live via Jiocinema. Key Indian athletes to watch include:
Neeraj Chopra (Javelin): A strong contender for gold, aiming to surpass his previous record of 88.88 meters set at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Sift Kaur Samra (Shooting): The gold medalist from the Hangzhou Asian Games in the Women’s 50-meter rifle, with hopes of continuing her winning streak.
Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling): After recovering from surgery and participating in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India, Phogat is determined to secure gold.
Nikhat Sarin (Boxing): Making her Olympics debut, the two-time World Champion aims for a gold medal.
P.V. Sindhu (Badminton): With previous Olympic medals in Rio and Tokyo, Sindhu will be looking to achieve gold in her final Olympic appearance.
Aditi Ashok (Golf): Following a strong performance in Tokyo where she narrowly missed out on a medal, Ashok is expected to contend for a top finish this time.
