By Qamar Bashir
I was posted in France as Press Minister in September 2016, and I had the unique
opportunity to witness France being awarded the hosting rights for the 2024 Summer
Olympics on September 13, 2017, during the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru. From that
pivotal moment until our return to Pakistan after four years, we experienced firsthand the
dynamic and transformative efforts of the French National Olympic management
committee to turn the historic city of Paris into a vibrant Olympic city. The meticulous
planning and extensive preparations were aimed at hosting 32 sports with 329 events.
This unique ceremony, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Seine River and
Parisian landmarks, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience unlike any other in
Olympic history.
What we did not anticipate, however, was a sabotage attack in Paris that shocked the
world as it targeted key infrastructure and disrupted planned events. The coordinated
attack involved multiple explosive devices planted along the Seine River, where the
historic ceremony was set to take place. The incident caused significant damage to
several bridges and disrupted the transportation network, creating chaos and widespread
panic among spectators and participants. Fortunately, emergency services, already on
high alert and prepared for any emergency, responded swiftly to contain the situation,
prevent further damage, and ensure the safety of the public.
Despite the attack casting a shadow over the opening ceremony, it failed to dampen the
enthusiasm, anticipation, and excitement for the highly awaited, glittering event. The
ceremony, with its delicate and romantic French touch, proceeded and left an indelible
mark on the hearts of those present and the millions watching worldwide.
During our four-years sojourn in Paris, the highlight was walking along the majestic
River Seine. We enjoyed the frequent boat rides, feeling the cold breeze on our faces
while watching tourists of all colors, races, ethnicities, and languages throng the Seine
banks. They were revealed in music, dance, and various games along the riverbanks.
Little did we know that after four years, the Seine would be adorned with a majestic
Olympic ceremony, featuring athletes parading on boats past iconic landmarks like the
Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Lined on both sides, 300,000 spectators will witness this
event live, with a diverse array of cultural performances directed by Thomas Jolly.
These preparations, though impactful, added much excitement and dynamism to our
sojourn in Paris from 2016 to 2020. The road closures, street upliftings, metro
refurbishments, and river water cleaning and filtering were all part of the grand effort to
get the city ready for the Olympics. The construction of new venues, such as the Paris
Aquatics Centre and the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Saint-Denis, alongside the
renovation of existing sites like Stade de France, were significant milestones.
We also witnessed the construction of temporary structures for events like beach
volleyball at the Eiffel Tower and archery at Les Invalides, showcasing a commitment to
minimizing long-term environmental impacts. Transportation upgrades, including the
commencement of the Grand Paris Express project to extend and modernize the metro
system, and the enhancement of existing public transport services like the metro, RER,
tram, and bus networks, ensured efficient and sustainable travel for athletes, officials, and
spectators. These developments transformed Paris into a vibrant Olympic city, reflecting
the meticulous planning and effort behind the scenes.
The opening ceremony was held at 10:30 PM last night, and our entire family was glued
to the TV to watch. Ninety-four boats carrying 200 delegations, mostly clad in their
national dresses, paraded down the Seine River, waving flags, bunting, and hands under
the dazzling lights and fireworks. The event took place under the watchful eyes of 45,000
police personnel and a contingent of 10,000 army troops, with strict security protocols
bolstered by AI-powered high-definition video surveillance.
The hallmark of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a spectacular procession that began at the
Austerlitz Bridge and traveled six kilometers, with 10,500 athletes representing 206
nations on boats passing iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Pont
Alexandre III. Spectators enjoyed performances from 3,000 artists and 400 dancers
stationed on bridges, creating a festive atmosphere. The ceremony culminated at the
Trocadéro, across from the Eiffel Tower, where the Olympic cauldron was lit,
highlighting Paris's beauty and history in a memorable start to the Games.
The parade was enhanced by stunning singing and dance performances featuring Kelly
Clarkson. A Grammy-winning artist, Clarkson brought her vibrant energy and powerful
voice to the event, marking her first time hosting an Olympic broadcast. Their
performance captivated the spectators, adding an unforgettable experience to the already
spectacular opening ceremony.
The hosting of Olympics-2024 Paris gave the unique honor of hosting the Olympic
Games three times. The first time was during the 1900 Summer Olympics, which marked
the first occasion Paris hosted the Games. Paris hosted the Olympics for the second time
in 1924. Now, in 2024, Paris will have the distinction of hosting the Olympic Games for
the third time.
The ceremony culminated in a spectacular display of fireworks that turned night into day,
filling the hearts and souls of the spectators. This heartwarming show was a testament to
shared humanity, diversity, and unity, reflecting the spirit of sportsmanship and the
gathering of nations from across the globe. Athletes from diverse cultures, languages, and
backgrounds came together to showcase human resilience and shared objectives. The city
of Paris was filled with a rich tapestry of cultures and colors, celebrating equality and
upholding human values. Setting aside bilateral and multilateral disputes, conflicts, and
wars, the event demonstrated that when countries, races, and languages unite, they create
a powerful force of positive energy, love, friendship, and tolerance. These athletes
conveyed a message to the world that working in harmony, supporting one another, and
caring for each other can lead to peace, allowing us to realize our full potential and share
our riches and wealth to make the world a better place for everyone, regardless
