Spectacular Close to Paris Olympics with Grand Ceremony at Stade de France

The Stade de France transformed into a grand concert hall, celebrating the Paris Olympics' closing ceremony with athletes receiving thunderous applause on Sunday. The event, attended by nearly 75,000 fans, was as captivating as the innovative opening ceremony held on the River Seine.

Over the past two weeks, 10,714 athletes competed in Paris for medals. The United States topped the medal tally with 40 golds, 44 silvers, and 42 bronzes. China followed closely with 40 golds but fewer silver and bronze medals.

Musical Performances and Flag-Bearers

The two-hour show, designed by Thomas Jolly, began with French singer Zaho de Sagazan performing "Sous le ciel de Paris." Flag-bearers from each of the 205 delegations gathered on a central stage symbolising a planisphere, while athletes joined the parade.

India was represented by 117 athletes, including 47 women. PR Sreejesh from hockey and Manu Bhaker from shooting led India at the Parade of Nations. India finished with six medals, one less than at the Tokyo Games.

Honouring Athletes and Future Hosts

Manu Bhaker secured bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. She became the first post-independence athlete to win two medals. Goalkeeper Sreejesh, who has played for nearly two decades and won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, was honoured as a joint flag-bearer.

The closing ceremony also featured performances by American music stars like Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and H.E.R. With the next Olympics set for Los Angeles in four years, organisers included artists native to California. Grammy-winning H.E.R. is expected to perform the U.S. national anthem live.

Transition to Los Angeles 2028

The ceremony titled "Records" by organisers will include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic Flame and handing over of the Olympic Flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee. This marks the transition to the next Summer Games.

Manu Bhaker and her coach Jaspal Rana were flown back to Paris for this ceremony after returning to India post-shooting events completion a week ago. The closing event celebrated sporting excellence and marked a significant transition to future games.

The Paris Olympics concluded with a spectacular display of unity and sportsmanship, setting a high bar for future hosts.