Paris Olympics 2024: All You Need To Know About The Olympics Closing Ceremony

The 2024 Paris Olympics will conclude on August 12, after showcasing a spectacular, action-packed three weeks of events. This year's Olympic Games kicked off with an opening ceremony on July 26, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The opening ceremony broke tradition by being held outdoors, but the closing ceremony will return to an indoor setting, taking place at the Stade de France stadium. The closing ceremony, titled ‘Records,’ is anticipated to be a star-studded affair, marking a fitting conclusion to the 2024 Olympic Games.

What Is The Significance Of The Olympics Closing Ceremony?

The closing ceremony signifies the passing of the torch to the next host city, which in this case will be Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. The ceremony also features the traditional extinguishing of the Olympic flame. It typically begins with the Parade of Flags, where athletes from various nations march into the stadium, each carrying their respective country's flag. The Greek flag leads the procession, symbolizing the origin of the Olympic Games in Greece. Meanwhile, the host country, France for the 2024 Olympics, will bring up the rear of the procession.

Additionally, the ceremony will include the final medal presentations for the concluding events, such as the women's marathon and the finals of men's handball, men's water polo, men's and women's weightlifting, men's and women's wrestling, women's basketball, women's modern pentathlon, women's volleyball, and men's and women's cycling.

Furthermore, the current host city will officially hand over the Olympic flag to the next host city. Reports suggest that Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will pass the flag to IOC President Thomas Bach, who will then pass it to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Notably, Bass will become the first Black woman mayor to receive the official Olympic flag during a closing ceremony. Finally, the event will conclude with a preview of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, signaling the end of the Paris Olympics 2024.

India At The Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony

Shooter Manu Bhaker and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be the flag bearers for India at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. Manu Bhaker made history by winning two medals at the 2024 Olympics. The 22-year-old first clinched bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol shooting event before teaming up with Sarabjot Singh to win another bronze in the team event. Manu Bhaker thus became the first woman from India to win two medals in the same Olympics.

Sreejesh played a pivotal role in India's campaign, delivering crucial saves against Australia during the group stage. Additionally, he stood as a formidable wall in the quarterfinals against Great Britain, helping India secure a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. His exceptional performance continued in the bronze medal match, where his remarkable saves led India to their second consecutive bronze medal.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked Sreejesh's final appearance with the Indian men’s hockey team. Neeraj Chopra, who won a silver medal in javelin throw this year, was also considered to bear the Indian flag at the closing ceremony. However, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist himself suggested Sreejesh’s name to the IOA, citing the goalkeeper’s impending retirement.

Who Will Perform At The Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony?

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to feature performances by top artists, similar to the opening ceremony. The event will be hosted by "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon and sports broadcaster Mike Tirico. It will primarily showcase California-based artists to signify the transition of the Olympics to Los Angeles in 2028.

Academy Award-winning singer Billie Eilish will perform at the ceremony, along with other notable names like Snoop Dogg and H.E.R. Moreover, action star Tom Cruise will reportedly "rappel into the Stade de France before skydiving from a plane" during the closing ceremony, according to USA Today. Other performers include the band Red Hot Chili Peppers.

LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman said, “This is the biggest moment in LA28 history to date, as the Olympic flag passes from Paris to LA. We are thrilled to feature the very best of LA with local artists and are grateful to Billie, H.E.R., the Chili Peppers, and Snoop for their collaboration on what will be an incredible show to a global audience that will give fans a taste of what’s to come in 2028.”

What Time Is The Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony?

The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 pm local time on August 11 (12:30 am IST, August 12).

Where To Watch The Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony?

The closing ceremony will be available to stream on the Viacom18 network for Indian viewers. Fans can catch the broadcast across several platforms, including the Jio Cinema website, the JioCinema app for online streaming, and the Sports18 television channel.