Paris is ready to make another history by hosting the Summer Paralympics 2024 on the iconic Champ Elysees. It is a historic place in De La Concorde and full of transformed landmarks for athletes and spectators alike. This opening ceremony is going to start on August 28 and ends on September 8.
After an unsatisfactory performance in the Olympics 2024, Indian Contingent is now pinned for Paralympics. India secured 5 bronzes and one silver without any single gold during the Olympics of 2024. Now there is a new opportunity for Indians to shine on the global stage.
Champs Elysees: The Historic Avenue
The Champs Elysees is a 2-kilometre-long avenue that runs from the eighth arrondissement of Paris. This place is known for its most famous street, sidewalks, and luxury shops. There are tree-lined promenades, that expand from the Arc De Morphe to De La Concorde on the east sideline. It is a prestigious place and attracts Parisians and tourists.
In recent years, this place hosted celebrations and national events, including two football world cups, and the annual Military parade on Bastille Day. The shooting of the film “Breathless” by famous actress Jean Seberg took place here.
The Paralympic Parade features over 180 delegates and 4400 para-athletes from all over the globe. This avenue has also witnessed the “Yellow Vest” protest of 2018 which resulted in damage to nearby shops by demonstrators clashing with police.
Place De La Concorde: Story of Bloodshed and Unity
There are countless reasons to mention this place as historical and one is Place De La Revolution. It was 1830, the time of the French Revolution when it was the site of the execution of King Louis XVI and Marrie Antonitte. After this execution, this place is coined as the symbol of Unity and Harmony.
The name Champs Eyelees denotes “Elysian Fields” in Greek Mythology and evokes a sense of Paradise of Heroes. Avenue has all the markings to celebrate the courage and achievements of athlete people.
Renewing Optimism in Indian Eyes with Paralympics
Although Indians have constant promise and resilience and the Paralympic team is ready to demonstrate talent but Olympics were a silent loss for Indian athletes. Indian Para Athletes in recent years have made significant strides on International stages. In the 2020, Tokyo Paralympics, India achieved the best performance ever with 19 medals. There are five Golds, eight Silver and the rest were bronzes and this performance has raised expectations for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.
