Paralympics 2024 Officially Open; Sumit Antil, Bhagyashree Jadhav Lead Indian Contingent

Paralympics 2024 Opening Ceremony Highlights: French President Emmanuel Macron declared the 2024 Paralympics open on Wednesday during a colourful ceremony in the heart of Paris. A total of 4,400 Paralympians, representing 167 nations, marched from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde. In a moment of pride for India, para-athletes Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav led the Indian contingent, which is the largest ever in the nation's Paralympic history with 84 athletes in 12 different sports. The opening ceremony itself was a spectacular celebration of diversity, resilience, and the spirit of competition, featuring breathtaking performances that highlighted French culture and the Paralympic values of determination and equality.

Bannering the Paralympic flag are the Refugee Paralympic Team, which consists of eight athletes and a guide runner, all refugees and asylees who represent more than 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.#Paris2024 #GamesWideOpen pic.twitter.com/SULP3jvlNl

Early on, the Greek delegation marched onto the stage at La Concorde along with the French flag.

Both France and Greece had a traditionally strong and special relationship due to strong cultural and historical ties.#Paris2024 #GamesWideOpen pic.twitter.com/jOsipzf10f

Vous ne verrez rien de plus beau aujourd'hui #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/GhOvtM8oT6

Jackie Flamme !

#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/tkFn4RQsep