Rohan Chowdhury in Paris
Paris once again proved its flair for grand celebrations with an unforgettable Paralympics opening ceremony, held at the historic Place de la Concorde, just beside the iconic Louvre Museum. The venue was thoughtfully planned, with ample space for spectators, including fully accessible stands that ensured everyone, including those in wheelchairs, could enjoy the show without hindrance.
As the clock ticked closer to the scheduled start at 8 pm Paris time, there were noticeable gaps in the stands. However, in true Parisian fashion, the locals didn’t disappoint. Within the last half hour, fans thronged the venue, filling the stands like bees to honey, just in time for the grand spectacle.
The ceremony kicked off with a vibrant performance by a dance group of performers with special abilities, setting the tone for the evening. Their perfectly synchronised moves, paired with lively music, made for a captivating opening act, setting the stage for the gala night ahead.
As the performances unfolded, anticipation built for the entry of the athletes. The moment was marked by a breathtaking airshow featuring eight planes that painted the French flag across the sky. The stands erupted in joy as the first announcement rang out: “Afghanistan, the first team to enter.”
Volunteers danced along the sidelines as athletes from around the world paraded. While some countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Fiji had only a handful of representatives, nations like Brazil and China boasted contingents over a hundred strong. Notably, the small African nation of Guinea-Bissau saw its flag carried by a volunteer, as no athletes from the country were present at the ceremony.
The refugee Paralympic team was warmly received by the crowd with a loud cheer.
India received a warm reception, with flag-bearer Sumit Antil leading the contingent. Some athletes like Sheetal Devi, who had events the following morning, chose to skip the ceremony.
At sunset, the venue lit up and the atmosphere grew even more enchanting. The emotions of the thousands in attendance were palpable, whether it was the Brazilian athletes dancing with the crowd or India’s Sachin Khilari sharing smiles and waves with fans. The evening was a perfect start to the Paralympic Games, filled with joy, pride and unity.
Paris turned out in full force to welcome the world once more. Though multiple roads were blocked and the journey home late at night might be challenging, thousands of spectators who witnessed the gala event at La Concorde surely found it well worth the effort.