"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
19 Jul 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will be the first Olympics held in Paris in over 100 years. The city last hosted the Games in 1924. This year's Games promise to be the largest and most inclusive ever, with 10,672 athletes from 206 nations competing in 329 events across 32 sports.
A First-of-its-Kind Opening Ceremony
In a departure from tradition, the opening ceremony on July 26 will not take place in a stadium. Instead, athletes will be paraded on a flotilla of boats along the River Seine, starting at 11 PM IST. This unique event will be witnessed by over 300,000 spectators from bleachers set up along the riverbanks. The procession will culminate at the Jardins du Trocadero, where the final elements of the ceremony will unfold.
The Mascot and Medals: Symbols of Heritage and Freedom
The official mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympics is the Phrygian hat, a symbol of freedom worn by French revolutionaries. Known colloquially as "freege," this mascot represents the spirit of the French Republic.
Adding to the historical significance, this year's Olympic medals will contain a unique piece of Parisian heritage. Each medal will be infused with 18 grams of iron from the original Eiffel Tower. This iron, salvaged from tower restorations, will be combined with gold, silver, and bronze to create the medals, in collaboration with the luxury jeweler Chaumet.
Source: Google Images
Innovative Sports and Events
Paris 2024 will introduce new sports and events to the Olympic roster. Breaking, a dynamic dance form, will debut with individual events for men and women. Canoe slalom will feature the thrilling new discipline of Extreme Slalom, where four athletes race simultaneously. Sailing will see the addition of IQFoil (windsurfing) and Formula Kite categories.
In athletics, shooting, and sailing, new mixed events will debut: the 35km walking mixed relay, the Skeet mixed team event, and the mixed Dinghy, respectively.
Sustainable and Iconic Venues
The Paris Olympics will utilize 35 diverse venues across France, focusing on sustainability by prioritizing existing facilities. Iconic sites like Stade de France will host athletics and rugby sevens, while Stade Roland Garros will feature tennis and boxing. Swimming events will be held at the Paris La Defense Arena and the Paris Aquatic Centre.
Watching the Paris 2024 Olympics
In India, Jio Cinema and Sports18 TV network will stream and broadcast the Paris Olympics for free. The official Olympic schedule, including events featuring the Indian contingent, can be found on the Paris 2024 Olympics website.