The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics received a severe backlash from people worldwide on Friday, July 26. The 33rd edition of the Summer Games kicked off with a grand opening ceremony which turned France's capital into a huge amphitheatre as the audience witnessed the grand spectacle along the Seine River.
10,714 athletes from 205 nations and the International Olympic Association (IOC) Refugee team sailed down the Seine River on a boat in the Parade of Nations. It was a rare occasion when a river was used as a track for athletes participating in the Parade of Nations. For the first time in the history of the Olympics, the opening ceremony took place outside the stadium of the hosting nation.
The Parade of Nations began at Austerlitz Bridge and concluded at Trocadero, set at the backdrop of Eiffel Tower. Several popular artists, including Lady Gaga and Celine Dion at the event. However, what caught attention was some of the acts at the opening ceremony, including Jesus Christ's 'Last Supper', the beheading of Mary Antoinette and several other historical reenactments.
The acts at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics have sparked controversy and criticism for the depiction of sensitive historical events. People took to their X handle (formerly Twitter) and severely criticized the organizers of the Paris Olympics 2024 for their insenstively and called the acts 'disgusting'.
Here's how netizens reacted to Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony
The French singer Philippe Katerine received sharp criticism for his bizarre act, where he was painted his semi-naked body with blue paint and lying on on a giant fruit platter. Many believed that Katerine made mockery of Jesus Christ, which deeply offended the viewers.
Meanwhile, the Olympics returned to Paris after 100 years. The last time France capital hosted the biggest quadrennial event was way in 1924. Paris also hosted 1900 Olympics and France topped the medal tally with 102 medals, including 27 Gold.
China win the first Gold medal in Paris Olympics 2024
China won the first gold medal of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 10m air rifle pair of Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao defeated South Korea's Keum Ji-hyeon and Park Ha-jun to secure China's first gold.
China clinched another gold medal in the Women's synchronized 3-metre springboard, with the diving duo Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani achieving victory. China is the only contingent to win two gold medals, while Belgium, Japan, Kazakstan and Australia won a gold medal medal each on the opening day of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Meanwhile, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker qualified for the Final of the Women's 10m Air Pistol by finishing third in the qualification round of the event.
