The Indian contingent made a remarkable entrance during the Parade of Nations at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony on Friday. Led by flagbearers PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal, the team arrived on a boat along the Seine River, marking the commencement of the 33rd Summer Games with an extraordinary event.The parade kicked off with Greece, traditionally the first to appear, followed by South Africa. The Indian team, positioned 84th, was eagerly awaited by fans lining the Seine River. PV Sindhu, an ace badminton player, and Sharath Kamal, a table tennis veteran, proudly held the tricolor flag high, receiving enthusiastic cheers and support from the crowd.Those smiles carry the dreams and aspirations for glory 🥇of a billion Indians 🫡🇮🇳The Indian contingent has arrived officially at the #OpeningCeremony of #Paris2024! 😍#OlympicsOnJioCinema #OlympicsOnSports18 #JioCinemaSports #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/madpvuv9zA— JioCinema (@JioCinema) July 26, 2024Notable absencesWhile many Indian athletes participated, some stars, including Neeraj Chopra, were absent as the athletics team had not yet arrived in Paris. Indias campaign began on Friday with the mens hockey team, star shuttler Lakshya Sen, and veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna taking to the field.The hosts showcased their rich culture and history with various artistic performances along the Seine. American singer Lady Gaga dazzled fans, followed by French pop star Aya Nakamura. The Parade of Nations concluded with entries from the United States and the French contingent, both greeted with loud cheers.Highlighting Olympic spiritLeBron James, returning to the Olympics after 12 years, served as the USAs flagbearer alongside tennis star Coco Gauff. The ceremony concluded with French Olympic medalists Teddy Pierre-Marie Riner and Marie-Jose Perec lighting the traditional Olympic Cauldron. Canadian singer Celine Dion wrapped up the memorable event with Edith Piafs iconic song, LHymne à lAmour.The Indian contingents enthusiastic participation and the vibrant cultural displays set a spirited tone for the Paris Olympics 2024.
