Paris Olympics 2024, as it happened: Games officially opened with a glitter ceremony along the Seine
Recap of the opening ceremony of the 33rd edition of the Olympic Games in Paris.
![Paris Olympics 2024, as it happened: Games officially opened with a glitter ceremony along the Seine](https://sc0.blr1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/202380-ofucwokcre-1722021257.jpeg)
That’s it for Scroll’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024
The organisers did promise something memorable for the Opening Ceremony, and they sure did deliver a spectacle.
The Parade of Nations started immediately, along the River Seine, with performances that depicted the story of France – the Revolution, a fashion capital.
There were performances by the likes of Lady Gaga, with famed Canadian singer Celine Dion coming up with a beautiful piece to close the night's proceedings.
But there were also a host of big names present for the relay – Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Nadia Comenaci, Carl Lewis, and even Charles Coste, France's oldest living Olympic champion at 100-years-old – as the Olympic flame made its way to the Cauldron at the Gardens of the Tuileries.
The Cauldron itself lit up a hot-air balloon that saw it suspended over the Parisian sky.
In that spectacle, the Games were finally declared Open.
The Indian contingent’s hunt for medals will begin on Day 1, with two medals up for grabs in the shooting mixed rifle team events.
There will also be action in rowing, table tennis, badminton and in men's hockey.
Join us tomorrow for live coverage from Day 1 of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games!
ALSO READ: India’s schedule on July 27: Shooters aim to win medals on day one in Paris
🤩 Quelle image#Paris2024 #ceremoniedouverture pic.twitter.com/UecFnWRyXW
— L'ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) July 26, 2024
🤩 @celinedion is spectacular and Paris sparkles with the Olympic spirit! ✨
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Paris 2024 is here!!! 🎉#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/es3KmnGD2k
#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony
— The Field (@thefield_in) July 26, 2024
Games Wide Open!
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games is officially open!https://t.co/xN9lErWfeM pic.twitter.com/vohEMHnyRu
The Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron is lit!
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Sorry, THE PARIS 2024 HOT-AIR BALLOON OLYMPIC CAULDRON IS LIT! 🤯 🔥 #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/CIuS4RzfHD
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2.57 am: Now from the Eiffel Tower, Canadian singer Celine Dion breaks out in song.
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2.54 am: The Cauldron is finally lit. And it will be carried by a hot-air balloon high in the Paris sky.
2.51 am: And for the first time, we get to see the Olympic Cauldron, at the Gardens of the Tuileries next to the Louvre.
2.50 am: A host of former French sporting legends have joined in the torch relay now.
2.47 am: Three more athletes join in, as the group of now five jog around the Louvre with the flame.
2.45 am: Now it goes to four-time NBA basketball champion Tony Parker.
2.44 am: The torch is now passed on to French tennis legend Amélie Mauresmo
2.39 am: Nadal takes the torch onto a boat, where he passes it on to tennis legend Serena Williams, who gives it to five-time Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci, and then it’s passed onto nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis. Together, the four travel by boat. Surely they are taking the torch to the Olympic Cauldron.
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2.41 am: As we wait, the Eiffel Tower continues to glow.
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🤝 Two sporting legends passing the flame. 🔥#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/0yM9xo21eE
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
14 titles in Paris gets you torch duty 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iWzQ5Cipax
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 26, 2024
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2.31 am: The Eiffel Tower lights up in an amazing display
2.28 am: 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal walks out on stage to take the torch from Zinedine Zidane. What a twist this is!
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2.27 am: Well well well, look who is here.
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2.25 am: The Cauldron still hasn’t been lit. In Tokyo it was Naomi Osaka. Who will it be in Paris?
2.25 am: The President of France Emmanuel Macron officially declares the Olympics OPEN!
🇮🇳🙌 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻! Here's a look at our Indian contingents at the opening ceremony across the years.
— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia) July 26, 2024
🇫🇷 The opening ceremony in Paris is the first time the event has been held outside of a stadium! A magical ceremony held in and… pic.twitter.com/aPgU4MYfmQ
The Olympic flag is being raised to the Olympic Anthem, performed by 60 choristers from the Radio France Choir, and 90 musicians from the French National Orchestra. 🎶
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Look closely – the Trocadéro stage is shaped like the Eiffel Tower! 🇫🇷#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/sLhp3jFEds
A representation of Olympic spirit and a call for peace and solidarity takes shape in the form of a horsewoman galloping across the Seine. 🕊️#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/ocsLCdRpJc
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FBlQNNUmvV
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
1.52 am: Now come the flags of each competing nation gathering under the Eiffel Tower. The Olympic Cauldron should be lit soon enough.
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1.41 am: Sofiane Pamart on piano and Juliette Armanet singing John Lennon’s famous song, Imagine. “We stand and call for peace” is the message.
1.37 am: A rather unusual tribute to French cuisine, it seems.
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Here they come, Team France, the host nation! 🇫🇷
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
And while we're at it, let's sail across the waters, to Tahiti, where the surfing competition will take place. 🌊#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/P3U5McBRuR
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1.23 pm: And here come the hosts!
1.21 pm: Here come the Americans!
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🇫🇷🇩🇿🥀 FLASH | La délégation algérienne a jeté des fleurs dans la Seine lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture des JO de #Paris2024, en hommage aux Algériens noyés en 1961. #ceremoniedouverture pic.twitter.com/1jb3gQASVe
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) July 26, 2024
Let the Games begin…🎉#Paris2024 #Olympics #tennis pic.twitter.com/JXuDwcyXA6
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 26, 2024
1.07 am: 592 athletes make up the American contingent at Paris 2024. Leading them out tonight is basketball legend LeBron James and rising tennis star Coco Gauff
Leading the stars and stripes 🇺🇸
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 26, 2024
📺: @NBCOlympics & @peacock #ParisOlympics | #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/Yxcgph2rsj
Who will light the Olympic Cauldron this time?
12.50 am: Now a tribute to Paris being one of the fashion capitals in the world. Just before that though, rapper Pitbull with a French number.
#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony
— The Field (@thefield_in) July 26, 2024
The Indian contingent led by PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal make their way out on the Seine at the parade of nations!pic.twitter.com/H1HOGYEHpW
Wow! 😮 We’ve got goosebumps! Have you?
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
💙🤍❤️ From the roof of the Grand-Palais, a new and powerful version of the French National anthem is delivered by Axelle Saint-Cirel. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/8ZbCnIqYWg
12.25 am: Axelle Saint-Cirel presents a beautiful rendition of the French national anthem.
Hope opening ceremonial clothes are waterproof 🤷🏾♂️ classic Paris weather 🌧️ #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024 #Olympic2024
— Tejaswin Shankar (TJ) (@TejaswinShankar) July 26, 2024
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12.17 am: HERE COME THE INDIANS!
The final torchbearer passes through the world's largest museum! The Louvre Museum holds treasures from all cultures and connects France to world. #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/rZXvpOHKSq
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Near, far, wherever you are... 😉#OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/xFbbCCk1y1
— Team GB (@TeamGB) July 26, 2024
Paris 2024, flag bearer—one of the greatest honors of my life to hold our country's flag in front of millions ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4VPc9FFuIz
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) July 26, 2024
Did somethin today. 💯👊🏿🔥 #FollowTheDogg pic.twitter.com/G4ugnUFssO
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) July 26, 2024
The anger of the people rumbles! The famous revolutionary song ‘Ah, ça ira’ is sung by choristers dressed as Marie-Antoinette.#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/nQr6AqEUo3
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The freedom to love is no less sacred than the freedom to think.
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
-Victor Hugo#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/LDCO7nXNoR
11.59 pm: We’re back with the Parade of Nations, with Cyprus.
11:56 pm: Now time for a performance by French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura
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Update: The opera singer was Marina Viotti
Update: The French heavy metal band is called Gojira.
Opening ceremony paris olympics 2024 #Paris2024 #TeamIndia #Olympic2024 #hockey #hockeyindia #Paris pic.twitter.com/Q3CgLCEi8v
— Jarmanpreet Singh (@jarmanpreet04) July 26, 2024
Who's that mysterious figure holding the torch?#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/C2FQBqvJZl
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
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11.46 pm: Now the French Revolution is paid homage to by a fusion rock band with an opera singer. In the background, there are Guillotined figures to represent the revolution.
11.45 pm: Who is the mysterious torchbearer?
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Because we can, can, can! 💃
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
80 artists from the Moulin Rouge perform the iconic dance that dates back to the 1820s.
Their pink costumes have been specifically designed for the #OpeningCeremony. Très chic. 👌#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/3b7dFsXgx5
La vie en rose. 🌹
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
23 delegations are parading along the river Seine.
But wait, who’s that mysterious torchbearer?#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/Lj05ULigkd
11.37 pm: We take a break from the Parade of Nations as the build up once again resumes for the lighting of the Olympic torch. Earlier, the great Zinedine Zidane walked with the torch in a promo, but his path was blocked in the subway. He handed the torch over to some of the Paris youth, who were led through the catacombs of Paris by a mysterious figure.
That figure now carries the torch through Paris towards its final destination.
The @Olympics have always been a celebration of unity and excellence. As #Paris2024 begins, let's cheer on our incredible team of 117 athletes representing 1.4 billion hearts. Go out there and make us proud, Team India. Jai Hind!@Media_SAI @WeAreTeamIndia @IndiaSports… pic.twitter.com/UHQJvfpawJ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 26, 2024
The Flame is here! Are you ready for this 6km celebration of sport along the iconic River Seine? 🌉
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Are you ready for the Olympic Games Paris 2024? 🙌#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/sfHRiqcwIS
11.19 pm: Pop sensation Lady Gaga is the first act of the Opening Ceremony. The Parade of Nations has taken a brief pause.
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Bienvenue mesdames et messieurs 🤩
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Welcome the delegations to this enchanted, playful and sparkling Paris.
Lights up, the curtain is open and the show has begun.#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/rSZJdIg30f
The 🇮🇳 flagbearers are all set for the #OpeningCeremony! 🤩
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) July 26, 2024
Brace yourselves for a stunning spectacle at #Paris2024... 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1lGAG1q86l
11.14 pm: India will be 84th on the list in the Parade of Nations. Greece, as is the standard, is the first contingent to come out. After that, it goes in alphabetical order in the name of how the country is known in French – for example, Germany will come early as the country is called Alemania in France.
#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony
— The Field (@thefield_in) July 26, 2024
The 2024 Olympic Games Opening ceremony gets underway in Paris!
📷Jio Cinemahttps://t.co/xN9lErWN4k pic.twitter.com/A2fGotiMsW
11.11 pm: The Seine is set for the Parade of Nations!
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11.09 pm: AND HERE WE GO!
#Paris2024
— The Field (@thefield_in) July 26, 2024
The day is finally here! 🎉
The 2024 Paris Olympics officially begins today and we at @thefield_in will bring you all the coverage of the Indian contingent and more for the next two weeks.
In our build-up to the quadrennial event, the Field's writers looked at the… pic.twitter.com/JQzGNLVji6
11.06 pm: As we wait, here is a list of the previews put up by The Field, highlighting the Indian contingent and their chances across the eight sports where the country has won a medal in the past.
11.04 pm: Not long to go before the Opening Ceremony begins!
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Mesdames et messieurs, de France et du monde, bienvenue à Paris ! 💫
— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) July 26, 2024
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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Paris ! 💫#Paris2024
📸 Paris 2024 pic.twitter.com/4Fp1WUpnES
“It’s an absolute honour to attend the opening ceremony especially as flag bearers. I have not attended too many opening ceremonies but I’ve told them to just enjoy the ceremony. We have put in unprecedented efforts and we hope they deliver”
— Gagan Narang, India's chef-de-mission and former Olympic medallist shooter
#ParisOlympics @Paris2024 @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/qALrAXoIjA
— Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) July 26, 2024
10.41 pm: But there’s always time to stop and savour the special attire for the Opening Ceremony.
10.41 pm: Contingents from 206 nations are preparing for the Parade of Nations along the River Seine.
It's the 101st and last day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay! 🔥 What a journey, from the lighting in Greece to the voyage across the Mediterranean to the journey around France!
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
What was your favourite moment? #OlympicTorchRelay #Paris2024 @Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/EPcoysaNs6
Hello and welcome to Scroll’s coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
The grand celebration towards the end of another Olympic cycle is here, as the world’s best athletes descent upon Paris for the 33rd edition of the Summer Olympic Games.
For the Indians, the heroics of Tokyo 2020 are still fresh in the memory, as the players dare to dream of bigger victories in the French capital.
Today however, the Opening Ceremony will mark the beginning of the sporting extravaganza. But this will be the first time the fabled Parade of Nations takes place outside a stadium. Over 80 boats and barges will carry the delegates of the 206 participating nations along the river Seine.
Veteran table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal and badminton star PV Sindhu have been nominated as the flag bearers for the Indian team that boasts 117 competitors (including reserves) across 16 sports.
Tonight, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games officially begin.
Screenshots courtesy Jio Cinema, the official Paris Olympics website.