Colourful start to Paris Olympics

PM Modi wishes Indian contingent, says they are our pride

Paris: The much-awaited quadrennial event Olympics began yesterday at Paris in France with a colourful opening ceremony at Sien River near the world famous Eieffel towers, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent saying every Indian athlete is our pride.

French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Olympics watched across the world amid much fanfare and camaraderie. What is more heartening is that, mercifully rains kept away (the event being held in open space for first time & watched by over three lakh sperctators), though showers were predicted, providing a fitting start to the grandiose event that would see thousands of athletes compete for honours in multi-disciplines.

In a social media post, as the event (kicked off late night with a colourful event and fireworks lighting up the night skies), being held outside the stadium for the first time at a river, Modi said: “As the Paris #Olympics commences, my best wishes to the Indian contingent.” “Every athlete is India’s pride. May they all shine and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship, inspiring us with their exceptional performances. #Paris2024”, he added.

It was a spectacular show of light and colour at the Sien River as the athletes were brought in more than 60 boats, with India’s pride shuttler P.V. Sindhu and paddler Sharath Kamal proudly carrying the Indian flag, donning the national colours. This time expectation was high from Indian contingent, carrying the hopes of billion people and finish with a double digit medal margin.

Leading the challenge in multi-events, the 117-member Indian delegation was Sharath Kamal and Sindhu, who is hoping for their third medal in this prestigious event. But the main hopes rely on Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who was keen to repeat his Tokyo show and win a second successive gold.

Having finished with seven medals at Tokyo in the last event, hopes are high that athletes, shuttlers, paddlers, archers, tennis players, hockey stars, sailors and other those from other disciplines are keen to prove a point and bring glory.

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