NEW DELHI: The awe-inspiring Stade de France transformed into a grand concert hall, celebrating the conclusion of the Paris Olympics with a spectacular closing ceremony. The event showcased a mesmerizing display of artistry, passing the baton to Los Angeles for the next Olympic Games.
The closing ceremony was a captivating affair, seamlessly transitioning through various moods and featuring a touch of Hollywood glamour, including an appearance by Tom Cruise.
As it happened: Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach praised the sensational Olympic Games, and was quoted as saying by PTI, "These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish. The Games showed us what greatness we humans are capable of. You embraced each other, you respect each other even if your countries were divided by war and conflict. Thanking you for making believe in a better world for everyone."
Bach also emphasized the Olympic Games' potential to inspire a culture of peace worldwide.
Tom Cruise made a grand entrance, descending from the stadium's top to the "Mission Impossible" theme song. He interacted with athletes, received the Olympic flag from gymnast Simone Biles, and carried it through the streets of Paris to a cargo plane bound for Los Angeles. The flag was then passed to track legend Michael Johnson in LA, who handed it over to skateboarding icon Jagger Eaton at Venice Beach.
The two-hour show, created by Thomas Jolly, commenced with a musical tribute to Paris, featuring French singer Zaho de Sagazan performing the iconic 'Sous le ciel de Paris'.
Flag-bearers from 205 delegations entered the stadium and assembled on a central stage, symbolizing a planisphere. The Paris Olympics showcased inclusivity and gender parity by concluding with the women's marathon, with medals awarded during the closing ceremony. The organizers also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the 45,000 volunteers.
The ceremony featured a mesmerizing interplay of sound and light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. French musician and composer Clément Mirguet elevated the experience with his performance. The event paid homage to the creation of the modern Olympic Games and featured a choreographic ballet bringing the Olympic rings to life.
The iconic French band Phoenix kicked off a grand party, joined by more artists on stage. IOC president Thomas Bach presided over the Olympic flag handover ceremony, with the flag being passed from the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, to the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass.
The Los Angeles segment showcased the city's iconic backdrops, with mountain biker Kate Courtney and track and field legend Michael Johnson guiding the audience through the streets of LA. Southern California music icon Snoop Dogg, along with Red of Chili Pepper and Dr Dre, provided a glimpse of the excitement to come in the next Olympic host city.
India, represented by 117 athletes, including 47 women, concluded its campaign with six medals. Two-time Olympic medallists PR Sreejesh (hockey) and Manu Bhaker (shooting) represented the nation at the Parade of Nations. Manu secured bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
1/10:Paris Olympics conclude with spectacular closing ceremony
<p>Paris Olympics conclude with spectacular closing ceremony</p>Agencies
2/10:Léon Marchand
<p>Léon Marchand, France’s swimming star, symbolically transferred the Olympic Cauldron’s flame from the Jardins des Tuileries to the Stade de France.</p>Agencies
3/10:Antoine Dupont and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
<p>The French flag was brought into the stadium by flagbearers Antoine Dupont and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, receiving a huge ovation.</p>Agencies
4/10:PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker
<p>The Indian flag was brought into the stadium by flagbearers PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker.</p>Agencies
5/10:Indian flagbearers
<p>PR Sreejesh won bronze with India's men's hockey team, while Manu made history as the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single Summer Games, including bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event.</p>Agencies
6/10:Festive atmosphere
<p>Athletes entered the Stade de France together, joining in a festive atmosphere with songs like "Les Champs-Elysées" and "We Are the Champions".</p>Agencies
7/10:Sifan Hassan
<p>A historic victory ceremony was held for the Women's Marathon, honouring Sifan Hassan, Tigst Assefa, and Hellen Obiri with the medals, highlighting the Women’s March on Versailles.</p>Agencies
8/10:Fireworks and Olympic Rings
<p> The stadium erupted in fireworks as the Olympic Rings were dramatically hoisted, symbolizing global unity.</p>Agencies
9/10:Artistic Performances
<p>The ceremony featured impressive performances, including a choreographed ballet and a vertical piano act by Alain Roche.</p>Agencies
