The Olympic Games are poised to commence in Paris, marking the third occasion the French capital has hosted the Summer Games, following the 1900 and 1924 editions. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, but Olympic action will begin earlier, with events starting as soon as July 24.Early start to Olympic actionDespite the opening ceremony being set for July 26, some competitions will kick off on July 24. Indian athletes, among others, will be participating in these preliminary events. July 24 eventsThe early action includes two sporting disciplines: Football and Rugby Sevens. Football matches will commence with Group B and C teams facing off. In Group B, Copa America 2024 champions Argentina will take on Morocco, while Euro 2024 winners Spain will play against Uzbekistan in Group C. Both matches are slated to start at 6:30 PM IST, according to the Olympic schedule.Rugby Sevens will also begin on July 24, with Australia competing against Samoa in Pool B at 7:00 PM IST. The days events will conclude with a Rugby Sevens match between New Zealand and South Africa at 1:00 AM IST on July 25.July 25 eventsThe following day, July 25, will see the continuation of Football and Rugby Sevens, alongside the commencement of Archery and Handball events. Indian athletes will make their first appearances in Archery on this day. The Womens individual ranking round in Archery will start at 1:00 PM IST, followed by the Mens individual ranking round at 5:45 PM IST.Indian athletes Indias archery contingent includes notable competitors such as Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Bhajan Kaur in the womens section, and Ramesh Pravin Jadhav, Tarundeep Rai, and Dhiraj Bommadevara in the mens section. These athletes will aim to make a strong start as they compete in the ranking rounds.As the world eagerly anticipates the formal opening of the Paris Olympics, the early events promise to deliver thrilling action and set the stage for what is sure to be an exciting and memorable Games.
