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As the Paris 2024 Olympics commenced with a glittering opening ceremony along the Seine River, several Indian and foreign dignitaries sent in their best wishes for the Indian contingent.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi described every athlete from the country as "India's pride" while Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese ambassador to India won hearts with a wish rendered in Hindi.
The Indian contingent at Paris 2024 features 117 athletes comprising 70 men and 47 women who will compete in 69 events across 16 disciplines.
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"As the Paris #Olympics commences, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Every athlete is India’s pride. May they all shine and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship, inspiring us with their exceptional performances. #Paris2024"
Suzuki, the Ambassador of Japan to India, donned a traditional Indian outfit and wished the Indian contingent in Hindi while waving the tricolor.
Meanwhile, IOA President PT Usha wished the Indian athletes personally at the Olympic Village and met with Chef-de-Mission Gagan Narang.
The Union Home Minister of India, Amit Shah also conveyed his best wishes to the Indian continent who he had said had earned the honor of representing the nation through their hard work.
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, of the Government of India also sent his wishes for the Indian contingent.
India's schedule on Day 1 of Paris 2024 Olympics
While the archers began India's Olympic campaign on Thursday, several events featuring India are lined up for what will officially be the first day of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Balraj Panwar will be in action in Rowing in the Men's Single Sculls heats as will several members of India's shooting team.
Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta will be competing in the 10m air rifle mixed team event as will Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh.
Arjun Cheema and Sarabjot Singh will be taking part in the men's 10m air pistol event. Manu Bhaker and Rhythm Sangwan will take to the shooting range at Chateauroux in the women's 10m air pistol event.
Lakshya Sen will be in action in badminton in the men's singles while Harmeet Desai will begin his campaign in the table tennis men's singles round of 128.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will play their opening match of the badminton men's doubles event while Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto will do the same in the women's doubles event.
Boxer Preeti Pawar will be in action in the women's 54 kg event even as the Indian men's hockey team faces New Zealand in their Olympic opener.
Tennis stars Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji will be at Roland Garros to play their first-round match in the men's doubles.
