RNS: The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with a grand, rain-tinged ceremony on Friday, featuring a standout performance by Lady Gaga. For the first time, the event was held outside a stadium, with the Seine River serving as the central stage.
The ‘Parade of the Nations’ saw athletes from 205 countries aboard boats gliding past iconic Paris landmarks like Notre Dame and Pont Neuf. Despite the weather, the procession and performances, including a Moulin Rouge dance and a dramatic torch relay through historic sites, captivated the audience.
French President Emmanuel Macron and IOC President Thomas Bach were present, while a pre-recorded video featured Zinedine Zidane carrying the Olympic flame. French pop star Aya Nakamura performed amid controversy, and Celine Dion is also scheduled to appear.
The Indian delegation, led by flag-bearers PV Sindhu and A Sharath Kamal, showcased traditional attire during the parade. First Lady Jill Biden headed the US delegation at the historic event.
