Paralympics 2024 Opening Ceremony Highlights: French President Emmanuel Macron Declares The Games Open

The stage was set for the grand opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics 2024 at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees in Paris, France. Catch the highlights of the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics 2024 here. (More Sports News)

The Paris Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony will start at 11:30 PM IST on 28th August 2024. The ceremony will held at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees. The live streaming of the opening ceremony will be available on the Jio Cinema app and website.

We are just minutes away from the live-action. It will be the first time that an opening ceremony of the Paralympics will not happen in a stadium. The 17th edition of the Paralympics is going to start with a beautiful opening ceremony.

Theo Curin becomes taxi driver for a day as he welcomed some French athletes who will be competing during the Paralympic Games

140 dancers and performers take the stage around the pianist at the start of the artistic show.

Théo Curin finally arrives at the Place de la Concorde as he belts out, 'Welcome To Paris'.

Christine and the Queens pay tribute to Edith Piaf by singing the iconic song “Non, je ne regrette rien".

The The Planes Of The Patrouille de France put on a scenic display over the River Seine.

And we have the para athletes! Afghanistan lead the way as they become the first country to enter the opening ceremony.

There are 168 delegations including India led by the flag bearers Sumit Antil, Bhagyashree Jadhav.

French DJ Myd's music is welcoming the 168 delegates at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Tokyo Olympics' table-toppers People's Republic of China enter the parade.

A bigger contingent from the Spanish delegation at the Paris Paralympics, will be looking to make their mark.

This is the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games, that the Opening Ceremony is taking place outside the stadium, in the heart of the host city.

UK PM Keir Starmer applauds Great Britain contingent as they enter the opening ceremony at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Here come the Indian contingent led by the flag bearers Sumit Antil, Bhagyashree Jadhav. They surely are looking upbeat and in the groove.

Who are India's medal hopes at the Paris Paralympics 2024? Read all about it HERE

Famous French DJ Snake's Disco Maghreb blurst out at the Paris Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony.

Nepal are at the Paris Paralympics 2024 and will be represented by Palesha Goverdhan (Para Taekwondo) at the opening ceremony.

Palestine delegation get a warm reception at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

The Refugee Paralympic delegation get a warm applause from the audience.

The Ukrainian contingent get a warm applause at the Paris Paralympics 2024 at the Place De La Concorde.

Host nation France close out the Paris Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony.

Lucky Love rings out “My Ability” with performers around him on the stage. The dancers of the “Strict Society” perform around him.

A video showing all the events and athletes from the past 16 Paralympic Games.

With the glittering Eiffel Tower in the background, it's time for the French national anthem.

Tony Estanguet, President of the Games of Paris 2024, will be followed by Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee to speak at the mic.

"I declare the Games open," said the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. The Games are formally open.

Experience a genre-bending spectacle where dance, sports, and art intersect. Two returning groups join forces, inventing innovative games that emphasize teamwork, accessibility, and creative expression.

John McFall, an accomplished Paralympian and silver medalist in Para Athletics, makes his way to the stage, proudly carrying the Paralympic flag. A history-maker as the European Space Agency's first astronaut with a disability, McFall's achievements are celebrated as Luan Pommier performs the Paralympic Anthem. The Paralympic Anthem is entitled “Anthem of the Future”. It was composed by Frenchman Thierry Darnis in 1996 at the request of the IPC.

The ceremony progresses with the Paralympic Oath, a solemn promise to uphold the spirit of the Games. Four representatives – two accomplished Paralympic athletes, a distinguished judge, and a dedicated coach – step forward to take the oath on behalf of their peers. With unwavering commitment, they pledge to embody and promote the core Paralympic values: determination, equality, inspiration, and courage.

The ceremony commences with a visual retrospective of the Paralympic Torch Relay, originating in Stoke Mandeville on August 24th. Upon entering France, the flame was divided into 12, representing the Games' duration. This symbolic gesture was carried forward by 1,000 Torchbearers, underscoring regional commitments to inclusivity and disability awareness

Florent Manaudou, flagbearer for France at the Paris 2024 Olympics, undertakes a ceremonial run from Champs-élysées to Place de la Concorde, ensuring the secure relay of the Flame to Michael Jeremiasz upon arrival.

Following Oksana Masters, Markus Rehm, a distinguished German Para athlete, assumes the responsibility of carrying the Flame to the Jardin des Tuileries. Upon the Cauldron's illumination, Rehm formally transfers the Flame to Assia El Hannouni, ensuring the continuity of the Paralympic tradition.

Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault and Elodie Lorandi join forces with Alexis Hanquinquant and Nantenin Keita to light the cauldron together.

The iconic Cauldron, a radiant beacon of the Olympic spirit, illuminated the Parisian skies throughout the Games, captivating the hearts of millions. Over 200,000 spectators marvelled at its majesty up close, while countless others admired its brilliance from various vantage points across the city.

Now, as the Paralympic Games unfold, this dazzling spectacle will once again mesmerize the world, shining bright as a symbol of resilience, determination, and unity.

The stage transforms into a vibrant canvas as wheelchairs morph into spinning light sculptures, redefining perspectives. Performers flood the space with kaleidoscopic colours, paying tribute to British artist Sue Austin's groundbreaking work. Christine and the Queens' energetic rendition of Patrick Hernandez's classic hit "Born to Be Alive" resonates through the air.

Inspired by Austin's iconic "Traces from a Wheelchair" series, where she pioneered using her wheelchair wheels as paintbrushes, this performance celebrates her innovative spirit. As an internationally acclaimed multimedia, performance, and installation artist, Sue Austin repurposes her wheelchair to craft fantastical art, challenging societal norms and sparking empowering discussions about disability and difference.

The commemoration exemplifies the dynamic intersection of art and social change. By engaging creativity, we collectively forge a better tomorrow. The classic 'Je t'aime moi non plus' by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin poignantly encapsulates the 'Concord' ethos, underscoring unity and cooperation. The opening ceremony ended with a fireworks show.

The opening ceremony ended with a brilliant show. The Paralympics have officially started and you can join us tomorrow for the live updates. Get all the information for Day 1 tomorrow. That's all from our side. Join us tomorrow at the same place. Thanks and goodbye!