"Bonjour Paris Olympics 2024: The Countdown Begins"

During my recent visit to Paris, I witnessed an incredible enthusiasm and fervor in the French capital, famous for its palaces, landmarks, and the Seine River. With just about 20 days left until the grand event begins, the Paris Olympics are set to kick off on July 26th at the Seine River, which will host the spectacular opening ceremony.

The Olympics are a magnificent spectacle that unites the world and fosters new relationships across nations. They signify that there is no limit to human potential. These games have profound meaning and relevance; they serve as a powerful reminder of possibilities. What was deemed impossible in the previous Olympics is now achievable with new benchmarks set and records created. On average, each Olympics witnesses around 40 new World Records and about 120 new Olympic Records, paying tribute to its motto: "Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together." The word "Together" was added in 2021 to emphasize inclusivity.

Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time, having previously done so in 1900 and 1924. This event will feature 329 events across 45 different disciplines, with 10,000 participating athletes aiming for an almost equal gender balance for the first time. The games are expected to attract 16 million visitors.

These will be Clean and Green Games, with a carbon footprint less than half that of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics. The Olympic Village at Seine Saint Denis, 20 kilometers from Paris, will not have air conditioning, making these games the greenest of modern times.

Each winner at the Paris Olympics will carry a piece of history in their hexagon-shaped medals, with a small portion of the Eiffel Tower embedded in each one.

Paris, also known as the fashion capital of the world, will showcase international branded labels and top designers, focusing on inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.

I hope that this time, India reaches a double-digit score in the overall medals tally, making all of us swell with pride.

(Nasser Hussain Dubey, a veteran who has been awarded the Army Commander's Commendation Card for his exceptional contributions in water sports – sailing, rowing, kayaking, and canoeing. He is the founder Secretary of National Hobie Class Association & the Artillery Water Sports Association. As a young officer, he was one of the few to be awarded a Standard in Boxing from the Army School of Physical Training. He represented his alma mater, Osmania University in cycling. He continues to enjoy long-distance running as his primary form of exercise. He is based in Hyderabad.)