The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially kicked off on July 24, two days ahead of the grand opening ceremony, with the commencement of men’s football and rugby sevens tournaments. The French teams are in the spotlight, with the football squad, led by coach Thierry Henry, set to face the United States at 9:00 PM in Marseille’s Orange Vélodrome. Meanwhile, the rugby sevens team, featuring Antoine Dupont, will also clash with the US at 4:30 PM at the Stade de France.Security measures have been significantly ramped up for the Games. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that over 1,000 individuals suspected of espionage have been denied entry to France. This comes as part of a broader security operation that has led to the exclusion of 5,000 people from Olympic-related activities due to various concerns including radicalization and criminal records. In a related development, a Russian citizen was arrested in Paris on suspicion of planning to disrupt the Olympics.The Paris Olympics are being hailed as a return to a more traditional and open Olympic experience after the pandemic-affected Tokyo and Beijing Games. The city is embracing the slogan ‘Ouvrons grand les Jeux’ (Games wide open), offering a vacation-like atmosphere that contrasts with the restrictive environments of recent Olympics. Athletes and spectators alike are relishing the opportunity to fully engage with the Games, the city, and each other.As the Games begin, there’s a mix of excitement and anticipation. The German House at the Jean-Bouin Rugby Stadium has expanded to include a fan zone for the first time, while the Olympic flame completes its journey. With 32 sports and 329 gold medals up for grabs, the stage is set for what promises to be a memorable Olympic Games in the heart of Paris.
Key points
- The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially begun with football and rugby sevens tournaments starting two days before the opening ceremony.
- French authorities have denied entry to over 1,000 individuals suspected of espionage as part of enhanced security measures for the Games.
- The Paris Olympics are being celebrated as a return to a more open and traditional Olympic experience after recent pandemic-affected Games.
