The 2024 Summer Olympics: A New Chapter in Paris

The 2024 Summer Olympics, the 33rd edition of this quadrennial event, is occurring in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. The opening ceremony was set for Friday, July 26. The 2024 Paris Olympics promise a unique opening ceremony, featuring a river parade of athletes on boats travelling through the heart of the French capital, passing by iconic Parisian landmarks. Up to 94 boats are expected to participate in this unprecedented event.

The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee is led by President Tony Estanguet and Director General Etienne Thobois. Athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, including the IOC Refugee Olympic Team (EOR), will compete. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics saw participation from 206 nations, with only North Korea abstaining. The Paris Olympics will conclude with a closing ceremony on August 11 at the Stade de France.

Significance of the Paris Olympic Games

The motto for the 2024 Games is “Games Wide Open” (in French: “Ouvrons grand les Jeux”). The Paris Olympics will feature 329 events across 32 sports. The logo, which has been both celebrated and critiqued on social media, combines three elements: a gold medal, the Olympic flame, and the face of Marianne, a national symbol of France. The five interlocking rings, symbolizing the unity of the world’s continents, will also be prominently displayed.

Competitions will take place in 35 venues divided into three general areas: Paris will host 13 sports, Île-de-France 12 sports, and the rest of France 10 sports. The Stade de France, located in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, is the country’s largest stadium and has hosted major events like the Rugby World Cups and the World Athletics Championships. It will serve as the Olympic Stadium this summer.

To promote inclusivity, Paris has distributed 55,000 free tickets to underprivileged families, young people, sports organizations, and those assisting with the Games, such as city workers and traders. Ticket prices for those purchasing range from about $100 to $3,000. Approximately 200,000 people are expected to watch the opening ceremony from buildings overlooking the river.

Interesting Facts About the 2024 Olympics

For the first time in Olympic history, Paris 2024 will achieve gender parity among competing athletes, with 5,250 men and 5,250 women. Breakdancing, officially called breaking, will make its Olympic debut. Sports introduced in Tokyo 2020, such as sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, will also return.

Paris 2024 aims to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by using existing venues and renewable energy sources. The Paralympic Games will be fully integrated, sharing the same venues and logistical support. The Athlete Village will feature sustainable infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, providing athletes with a comfortable environment to rest, recover, and prepare.

Indian Participation in the 2024 Olympics

India will send a 257-member delegation to Paris, consisting of 117 athletes and 140 support staff, an increase from the 228-member delegation sent to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The Tokyo Games were the most successful for India, with the team winning seven medals, including one gold, two silver, and four bronze.

India’s Olympic squad for Paris includes established stars and promising newcomers across 16 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Equestrian, Golf, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Tennis. The largest contingent is for athletics, with 29 participants, followed by shooting, with 21 participants, the highest number ever for India in this sport at the Games.

Notably, 72 of the 117 Indian athletes will be competing in their first Olympics. Fourteen-year-old swimming prodigy Dhinidhi Desinghu will make her Olympic debut. Rohan Bopanna, aged 44, will be India’s most seasoned athlete at the Games. Jyothi Yarraji will be the first Indian to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Reetika Hooda will make her debut in the women’s weight category.

Controversies Surrounding the 2024 Olympics

Several concerns and controversies surround the 2024 Summer Olympics, including security issues, human rights concerns, and debates over Israel’s participation amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, athletes have raised concerns about food shortages and being served raw meat in the Games Village. Other issues facing the organizers include terrorism threats, pollution warnings, and strike actions.

Despite these challenges, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing the resilience and unity of the global athletic community.

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