Paris : The historic opening ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games, “Paris 2024,” took place today along the River Seine. The event, hosted by the French capital until August 11, featured a unique setting.
French President Emmanuel Macron, along with several heads of state, national Olympic committee representatives, international federation officials, and prominent sports figures, attended the ceremony. Around 300,000 spectators lined the riverbanks to cheer on the participating nations.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), attended the opening ceremony, accompanied by the Committee’s Secretary-General, Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, several board members, and the heads of participating sports federations.
The parade of nations was conducted on 85 boats that sailed six kilometres along the River Seine, showcasing Paris’s historical landmarks and natural beauty. The boats concluded their journey at the Trocadéro area, opposite the iconic Eiffel Tower, where the official protocols, including the lighting of the Olympic flame and the announcement of the games’ opening, took place.
Bahrain’s delegation entered the parade on boat number 7, with swimmers Amani Al Obaidli and Saud Ghali carrying the national flag.
The Summer Olympic Games feature competitions in 32 Olympic sports, with 10,500 athletes participating from 206 national Olympic committees.
