Paris: The 2024 Paris Paralympics kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on Wednesday night, marking a historic milestone in the event’s history. The ceremony, held in the iconic Place de la Concorde, was the first outdoor opening event in Paralympic history and was declared open by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The evening featured the lighting of the Paralympic cauldron, which soared above the Tuileries Gardens. The cauldron was ignited by five esteemed French Paralympians: track athlete Nantenin Keita, triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant, along with Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, and Elodie Lorandi. The flame will illuminate the Paris sky throughout the Games, which will last for the next 12 days.
The ceremony unfolded under the direction of Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman and captivated an audience of over 50,000 spectators. Celebrations began with the Olympic torch being carried through Paris by Jackie Chan, setting a festive tone for the night. The event showcased a dazzling array of performances from legendary athletes, singers, and dancers.
Despite the outdoor setting, the event was unaffected by rain, allowing athletes to parade down the Champs-Elysees and through Place de la Concorde. The Parade of Nations commenced at golden hour, with Afghanistan leading the procession and the United States and host nation France closing it. India’s delegation, consisting of 84 athletes, made a striking impression in white, led by flagbearers Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav.
In his opening speech, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Paralympics, drew a powerful parallel between the Paralympic Games and the French Revolution. He described the event as “the most beautiful of revolutions,” celebrating the athletes’ perseverance and achievements. “Tonight, you’re inviting us to join you in your Paralympic revolution,” Estanguet declared. “When the sport starts, we will no longer see disabilities but champions.”
The ceremony’s vibrant spirit and historic significance set the stage for a remarkable Paralympic Games, spotlighting the strength and resilience of athletes from around the world.
Key Points:
Opening Ceremony Highlights:
- The 2024 Paris Paralympics opened with a historic outdoor ceremony at Place de la Concorde.
Cauldron Lighting:
- The Paralympic cauldron was lit by five French Paralympians, including Nantenin Keita and Alexis Hanquinquant.
Ceremony Atmosphere:
- Directed by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, the event featured performances from athletes, singers, and dancers.
Parade of Nations:
- The parade started with Afghanistan and ended with the United States and host nation France. India’s delegation, led by flagbearers Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav, made a notable appearance.
Torch Relay:
- Jackie Chan carried the Olympic torch through Paris before the ceremony. The cauldron was lit by French Paralympians Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, Elodie Lorandi, Alexis Hanquinquant, and Nantenin Keita.
Tony Estanguet’s Speech:
- The President of the Paris Paralympics likened the Games to a “revolution,” celebrating athletes’ achievements and their role in challenging perceptions of disability.
Attendance and Impact:
- Over 50,000 spectators attended the event, which was held outside the confines of a stadium and unaffected by rain.
Duration and Legacy:
- The Paralympic cauldron will remain lit for the next 12 days, symbolizing the start of the Games and the celebration of inclusivity.
