The 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris have officially kicked off, with the opening ceremony marking the start of a thrilling competition. Indian athletes are gearing up for a significant Day 1 across various disciplines.
- Shooting: The action commences at 12:30 PM IST with the qualification rounds for the 10m air rifle mixed team. Indian shooters Sandeep-Elevanil and Arjun-Ramita are set to compete, aiming for a spot in the medal rounds later in the day.
- Rowing: Panwar will feature in the men’s singles sculls heats, adding to the day’s excitement.
India’s Chef de Mission, former shooter Narang, conveyed cautious optimism about the shooting events: “Sports outcomes can be unpredictable. We hope our athletes perform to their best and seize the opportunities.”
The Indian contingent, comprising 117 athletes—70 men and 47 women—will participate in 69 events with aspirations of winning medals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his encouragement on X: “As the Paris Olympics begin, I extend my best wishes to the Indian team. Each athlete represents our nation’s pride. May they excel and inspire us with their dedication and sportsmanship. #Paris2024.”
Manu Bhaker, aiming to bounce back from a challenging Tokyo 2020, is a standout athlete to watch. Narang expressed confidence in her potential, remarking, “Manu is a top shooter with a solid record. Her dedication, along with that of our entire shooting team, makes us hopeful for outstanding performances in Paris.”