'Aim is Gold' for Manu Bhaker, Neeraj Chopra and Co; Olympics fever in Paris

PARIS: The 33rd edition of the Olympic Games, conveying the message of unity and sportsmanship, will begin in Paris on Friday. This also marks the return of the Olympics to the soil of Paris after a century. With this, the French capital will become the first city after London to host three Olympics. Paris hosted the Olympics in 1900 and 1924.

The preliminary rounds of football started on Wednesday. Argentina lost to Morocco in the first game after some last-minute dramatics that saw Argentina’s goal disallowed. Indian men and women will take to the field today for the ranking round matches in archery.

Uniquely, this time, the glittering opening ceremony will be held outside the stadium. The organizers plan to march the sportspersons in 85 boats and barges along the river Seine for a distance of six kilometres and bring them to a temporary podium on the banks of the river. Table tennis veteran Ajanta Sarath Kamal and badminton legend PV Sindhu will hoist the Indian flag at the March Past.

With 117 athletes, India is aiming for 10 medals from this Olympics. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who made history by winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, women's weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu. Boxing star Nikhat Sarin, and shooting prodigy Manu Bhaker are already in Paris aiming to bite the gold.

Hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, badminton player HS Prannoy, and athletes Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Ajmal, Abdullah Abu Baker and Mijo Kurian are the Malayalees at the last Olympics.