The shooting event in Chateauroux, though far from the main action in Paris, has attracted a significant number of spectators. Access is more relaxed here compared to Paris, allowing fans to collect sports memorabilia. One such ‘fan’ was six-time Olympic shotgun medallist and three-time champion Kimberly Rhode of the USA, collecting autographs from every Olympic medal winner on a white ‘Paris 2024′ cap. She plans to auction the cap to raise money for children’s charities in the USA.
Rhode, a shooting legend, was particularly pleased to get an autograph from Manu Bhaker, the first Indian woman to medal at the Olympics. “The goal is to get all the medal winners’ autographs, but I’m happy to get Manu’s. I saw her shooting yesterday, and I think it’s great that she’s become the first Indian woman to medal at the Olympics. It’s fantastic for Indian shooting. I’m really proud of her, and I hope she does even better,” Rhode said.
Rafael Nadal played a significant role at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He received the Olympic flame from Zinedine Zidane, sparking cheers from the audience for both the French World Cup hero and the 14-time French Open champion. After receiving the flame, Nadal joined Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci on a boat to transport the flame to the Tuileries Gardens.
Following his role in the ceremony, Nadal went back to the Trocadero Gardens, where the opening ceremony was happening, and mingled with other spectators. Though initially surprised, fans took the opportunity to take selfies with the tennis star, and even the police and Gendarmerie eventually joined in. Nadal, who was scheduled to play in the men’s doubles competition the next day, happily posed for pictures with anyone who asked.
The Athletes’ Games village in Paris has been bustling with activity, providing a space for athletes to stay and interact with top contenders from different nations. However, the Games village in Chateauroux, where the shooting events are taking place, has faced some challenges.
Instead of one Athletes’ Village, there are two: PESI in Déols and the Lycée Blaise Pascal boarding school in Châteauroux. Some athletes have complained about the size of the rooms and the quality of food at the school. One international coach mentioned that due to a lack of space, some athletes have been offered rooms in the town at the organizers’ expense, but this wasn’t a sufficient incentive for many. There’s also a sense of boredom in a town with a population of around 70,000. Public transportation, although free, is infrequent.
Paris hosted two Olympics in the previous century, but Roland Garros, one of the most iconic tennis stadiums in the world, made its Olympic debut in 2024. Tennis competitions in 1900 and 1924 were held at different venues. Now, with its eye-catching clay courts, Roland Garros has hosted many epic matches, been home to the French Open for 94 years, and played host to the much-anticipated last meeting of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
In line with the Paris Olympics’ goal of achieving gender equality, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has introduced mixed-gender on-field umpiring for the first time in the sport’s Olympic history. Umpires and technical officials are evenly split between genders, with a 50:50 ratio. “Gender equality is anchored into hockey’s DNA, and FIH won’t miss any opportunity to promote it. With the introduction of mixed-gender on-field umpiring at the Olympics, FIH is showcasing once more its determination towards a more gender-equal sport and society,” said FIH president Tayyab Ikram.
Paris, known for hosting the Tour de France, has successfully transformed itself into the cycling capital, capitalizing on the opportunity presented by the Olympic Games. The city boasts a wide rail network, excellent tram and bus services, and a high number of luxury cars and motorbikes. However, in 2015, a comprehensive plan to turn the city into a cycling-friendly place was launched. The updated 2021–2026 plan expands on these commitments with increased investment and the creation of 180 km of new cycle lanes, reflecting a significant shift towards sustainable mobility. Now, it’s common to see people cycling on dedicated lanes to reach their workplaces and other destinations. Notably, these efforts have resulted in 11.2 per cent of journeys being made by bicycle, compared to 4.3 per cent by car. It’s hoped that other cities will adopt similar strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthier citizens.
