PARIS: The 33rd edition of the modern Olympics got off to a grand start in the French capital, Paris, despite a threat of sabotage that disrupted high-speed rail transport. The inauguration ceremonies started at 11 pm last night Indian time. For the first time in history, a river also became a stage for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. The march-past of athletes along the Seine River in Paris became a part of history.

The march-past was a new experience, with 10,500 athletes in about 94 boats traveling six kilometers from near the Austerlitz Bridge on the eastern side of the Seine River, ending in Tracheo Derou. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, was the first to march past, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team.

The Indian team came 84th. French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Buck attended the colorful opening ceremony at the Trocadéro grounds in front of the Eiffel Tower. Famous singers such as Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura and others performed in the three-hour-long performance.