The opening ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games took place in the French capital. Instead of the traditional athletes’ procession in the stadium bowl, the spectators saw a boat parade on the Seine River: more than 10,500 athletes sailed by boats. The official part took place on Trocadero Square in a temporary stadium next to the Eiffel Tower.

Athletes from the BRICS countries also arrived to take part in the competition. Ma Long, a Chinese table tennis player, and Feng Yu, a synchronised swimmer, carried the Chinese national flag at the opening ceremony of the Games.

Zhang Xin, the secretary-general of the Chinese Olympic delegation, said that the pair’s selection demonstrated a “recognition of veteran athletes and an encouragement to the rising stars.”

The BRICS representatives will compete in track and field, weightlifting, equestrian, swimming, taekwondo, boxing, wrestling, and other disciplines.

The participants will compete in 32 sports at 35 venues, in the presence of 20,000 media representatives and 45,000 volunteers. The Olympics programme includes breakdancing as well as rock climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. A total of 329 gold medals will be awarded.

Photo: Screenshot of the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Broadcast