The Paris Paralympics 2024 are officially kicking off on August 28 with a spectacular opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées. This grand event will mark the start of the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games, featuring 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations, including India.
The ceremony will showcase a parade of athletes along the famous avenue, culminating in a vibrant celebration at the iconic square. The event will be attended by an audience of 15,000 spectators. India will be represented by flag-bearers Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav. Antil, a Tokyo gold medalist, and Jadhav, a silver medalist from the Asian Para Games, will lead the Indian team.
India is participating in 12 of the 22 sports, including new events such as para cycling, para judo, and para rowing. The country's campaign will commence on August 29 with para badminton, featuring Krishna Nagar who will defend his men's singles title.
The opening ceremony promises a unique experience as it takes place outside a traditional stadium setting. Renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, known for his innovative stage designs, is bringing a new dimension to the event. Ekman's performance will feature over 150 dancers, including performers with disabilities, set to newly composed music by Victor Le Masne.
Adding to the excitement, there are rumors that legendary Chinese martial artist and actor Jackie Chan might carry the Paralympic torch just before the ceremony. The torch, which began its journey in Stoke Mandeville—the birthplace of the Paralympic Games—arrived in France on August 24 and was carried through the Channel Tunnel by wheelchair fencing medallist Emmanuelle Assmann.
Key Details:
India's Paralympic Begins: Where and When to Watch the Paris 2024 Games
India Sets Sights on Record Medal Haul at Paralympics 2024
Paris Paralympics 2024 A Historic Celebration of Athletic Excellence
