French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games open on Wednesday evening at Place de la Concorde. This is the first time that France has hosted the Paralympic Summer Games, and is also the first time that a Paralympics opening ceremony has taken place outside a stadium, in the heart of the host city.
Aim of this ceremony
“The aim of this ceremony is to change the way we look at people with disabilities, and to oppose all preconceived opinions on these issues, but not in a vain and sterile opposition,” said Thomas Jolly, artistic director of the Paris 2024 ceremonies.
Participatory athletes
Around 4,400 athletes from a record 168 delegations will participate in the 11-day competition across 22 sports starting from August 30, with Eritrea, Kiribati and Kosovo making their Paralympic debuts.
China’s delegation
China’s delegation entered with wheelchair fencer Gu Haiyan and weightlifter Qi Yongkai carrying the flag together. China has sent a delegation of 284 athletes – 126 males and 158 females – to compete across 302 events in 19 sports. Among them, 95 are first-time Paralympians.
India’s Participation in the 2024 Paralympics
India has been steadily increasing its presence in the Paralympic Games, and the 2024 edition is no exception. The Indian contingent comprises over 60 athletes competing in a diverse range of sports, including athletics, powerlifting, shooting, archery, badminton, and table tennis. This year, there is a special focus on athletics and badminton, where Indian athletes have shown considerable promise.
84 athletes for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, from India
India has announced a contingent of 84 athletes for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, marking the largest delegation the country has ever sent to the event. Scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, this year’s team includes 32 women, a significant increase from the 14 women who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where India sent a total of 54 athletes.
Participation from India in three new sports
For the first time, India will compete in three new sports: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, expanding its participation to a total of 12 sports. In total, the Paris 2024 Paralympics will feature 22 sports.
Some of the top Indian athletes for Paralympics 2024
- Avani Lekhara (Shooting): After her historic gold and bronze medal wins in Tokyo 2020, Avani is a strong contender in the 10m Air Rifle event.
- Sumit Antil (Javelin Throw): The world record holder and gold medalist from Tokyo will be aiming to defend his title.
- Pramod Bhagat (Badminton): As one of the leading para-shuttlers globally, Pramod is set to shine in the men’s singles SL3 category.
- Ekta Bhyan (Club Throw): Ekta, who has consistently performed well at international events, will be looking to add a Paralympic medal to her accolades.
2024 Paralympic Games Mascot: “Phryge”
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games introduced a vibrant and meaningful mascot named “Phryge.” The mascot represents the spirit of revolution and freedom, embodying the values of the Paralympic movement—determination, inclusivity, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Phryge: The Symbol of the 2024 Games
- Inspiration: The mascot is inspired by the Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty and freedom that has deep historical roots in France. This symbol has been reimagined in a modern, dynamic form, reflecting the innovative and inclusive spirit of the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
- Design: Phryge is characterized by its bold colors, predominantly red, with an approachable and energetic appearance. Its design is intended to resonate with both children and adults, promoting the message that sports can unite people and break down barriers.
- Message: The mascot’s mission is to encourage everyone to get involved in sports, regardless of their abilities, and to celebrate diversity and the strength of the human spirit. Phryge stands as a reminder that the Paralympic Games are not just about competition but about inclusion, resilience, and the power of sport to change lives.
Phryge’s Role During the Games
Throughout the 2024 Paralympic Games, Phryge will be a prominent figure, appearing in various promotional materials, events, and fan interactions. The mascot will engage with audiences worldwide, bringing the excitement of the Paralympics to life and fostering a sense of community and shared values.
- Involved in educational programs: Phryge will also be involved in educational programs aimed at promoting the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. Through these initiatives, the mascot will help spread the message that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has the potential to achieve greatness.
- Adds a unique and culturally significant element: The introduction of Phryge as the mascot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics adds a unique and culturally significant element to the games, further emphasizing the event’s commitment to inclusivity and celebration of human potential.
