The Stade de France, a breathtaking venue, transformed into a grand concert hall, marking the culmination of the Paris Olympics with a spectacular closing ceremony. The event was a mesmerizing blend of artistry, seamlessly transitioning through various moods and featuring a touch of Hollywood glamour. The ceremony served as a poignant passing of the torch to Los Angeles, the host of the next Olympic Games.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach lauded the sensational Olympics, stating, “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 emphasized the Olympics’ potential to inspire a culture of peace across the globe.
Tom Cruise made a grand entrance, descending from the stadium’s top to the iconic “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 destined for Los Angeles. The flag was then handed over to track legend Michael Johnson in LA, who passed it to skateboarding icon Jagger Eaton at Venice Beach.
The two-hour show, orchestrated by Thomas Jolly, commenced with a musical tribute to Paris. French singer Zaho de Sagazan performed the iconic ‘Sous le ciel de Paris,’ setting the tone for the celebration. Flag-bearers from 205 delegations entered the stadium and assembled on a central stage, forming a symbolic planisphere.
The Paris Olympics celebrated inclusivity and gender parity by concluding with the women’s marathon, with medals awarded during the closing ceremony. The organizers acknowledged the tireless efforts of the 45,000 volunteers who contributed to the Games’ success. The ceremony featured a mesmerizing interplay of sound and light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. French musician and composer Clément Mirguet further elevated the experience with his performance.
The event paid homage to the creation of the modern Olympic Games, featuring a choreographic ballet that brought the Olympic rings to life. The iconic French band Phoenix kicked off a grand party, joined by other artists on stage. IOC president Thomas Bach presided over the Olympic flag handover ceremony, with the flag passing from the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, to the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass.
The Los Angeles segment showcased the city’s iconic landmarks, 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, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers 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) proudly 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.
