Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony: A Cultural Extravaganza Marks the End of a Fortnight of Sporting Excellence

The Paris Olympics concluded with a dazzling closing ceremony at Stade de France, featuring musical performances and the parade of athletes. The event highlighted both athletic achievements and cultural displays, setting the tone for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India ended with six medals, with athletes PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker as flag-bearers.

The gigantic Stade de France transformed into a concert hall Sunday, celebrating a fortnight of sporting excellence with the breathtaking closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Athletes received a thunderous applause as they marched into the iconic stadium.

The nearly four-hour-long innovative opening ceremony on the River Seine displayed Paris' architectural wonders and rich heritage, while the closing ceremony equally enchanted approximately 75,000 fans. Created by Thomas Jolly, the two-hour-long show began with French singer Zaho de Sagazan performing 'Sous le ciel de Paris'.

Flag-bearers from each of the 205 delegations gathered on a stage symbolizing a planisphere, joined by the parade of athletes. Over two weeks, 10,714 athletes competed for medals. The United States led the tally with 40 golds, closely followed by China. Performances by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and H.E.R. highlighted the event, transitioning to the 2028 Los Angeles Games with a ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic Flame.

India, represented by 117 athletes, concluded with six medals. Flag-bearers PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker stood out as significant contributors. Manu, with her coach Jaspal Rana, returned to Paris for the ceremony after securing bronze in shooting events.