Macron Opens Paris Paralympics: 4,400 Athletes Compete for Glory

The 2024 Paralympic Games officially kicked off in Paris with a vibrant opening ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, welcoming 4,400 athletes from 167 nations to compete in 22 sports. The ceremony, held in the heart of Paris, saw athletes marching from the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde. India’s contingent, led by Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Sumit Antil and world-record holder Bhagyashri Jadhav, will participate in 12 sports, making it India’s largest Paralympic team ever. Notable Indian competitors include Krishna Nagar, defending his badminton title, and Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal in shooting. The Games, which will culminate in a closing ceremony on September 9th, promise exciting competition and inspiring performances from athletes across the globe.