Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Games return to Paris with historic boat parade along river Seine and Lady Gaga's dazzling performance; Watch

The Paris Olympics 2024 kicked off under a cloud of uncertainty. A series of rail sabotage incidents marred the buildup to the Games, even as rain threatened to dampen the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Despite the challenges, the show went on. The ceremony began with a cinematic spectacle featuring French football legend Zinedine Zidane. In a pre-recorded sequence, Zidane carried the Olympic flame through the bustling streets of Paris before passing it to a group of children. Their journey continued through the iconic Parisian underground, the Catacombs, and finally to the Seine River, where the live broadcast commenced.

ALSO READ: Watch: Gautam Gambhir in splits as Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya share warm moment during India's fun-filled fielding drill

Pop icon Lady Gaga delivered a show-stopping performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Known for her theatrical flair, Gaga took on the iconic French song "Mon truc en plumes," originally performed by Zizi Jeanmaire in 1962. Her rendition captivated the audience, both inside the stadium and those watching from nearby balconies. The ceremony was held under unprecedented security measures. To ensure the safety of attendees and the city, 45,000 police officers and gendarmes, along with 10,000 soldiers, were deployed throughout Paris. Extensive security protocols were implemented, including road closures, the erection of metal barriers, and the complete closure of all Paris bridges to vehicles and pedestrians.

WATCH LADY GAGA's MESMERISING PERFORMANCE HERE

ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Check complete schedule for all Indian athletes' events on Day 2; see all details

A River of Athletes

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony unfolded on the Seine River, as athletes from around the world made their grand entrance aboard boats. The procession, which moved from east to west, offered spectators a unique perspective of iconic Parisian landmarks, including the La Concorde Urban Park, Invalides, and the Grand Palais.

As the Greek delegation, traditional bearers of the Olympic flame, led the way, powerful jets of water erupted from the river, adding to the spectacle. Over 220,000 invited guests and security-vetted spectators lined the riverbanks, while an additional 104,000 paid attendees enjoyed the show from lower vantage points.

The aquatic parade culminated at the Iena Bridge, where the Eiffel Tower stood as a majestic backdrop.

Pyrotechnics in the colors of the French national flag are set off over a bridge during the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies on July 26, 2024. (Getty)

Team Bhutan during the athletes' parade on the Seine in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP)

Reflections of Team Great Britain athletes are seen on the team boat as they pass under a bridge on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. (Getty)

The French Air Force elite acrobatic flying team "Patrouille de France" (PAF) performs during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Getty)

Spectators wait for the start of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP)

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

Another massive blow to Sri Lanka ahead of first T20I against India, star player hospitalised due to this reason, doubtful for opener

Jasprit Bumrah snubs MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to pick India's greatest captain

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian athletes report food shortage, pugilist Amit Panghal resorts to ordering Dal Roti

'Politics shouldn’t come into sports.. Hum bahut acche log hai': Shoaib Malik urges Indian team to come to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

'Doghley insan ghatiya insan': Ex-PAK cricketer crosses all limits with derogatory remark while replying to Harbhajan Singh for calling Pakistan unsafe