Olympics 2016 Photos

Rio 2016: Gala Opening Ceremony Kicks Off 31st Olympics

August 06, 2016 11:54

A grand opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium in Rio kicked off the 31st Olympics as Brazil's culture was showcased as well as the parade of athletes from 206 nations.

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A grand opening ceremony marked the start of the 31st Olympics as the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janiero witnessed an extravagant event. (Images credit: AFP)
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The first sequence witnessed the evolution of life in Brazil and how the country underwent changes.
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International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach waves to the fans at the Maracana stadium.
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The European invasion of Brazil changed the landscape of the country and it gave Brazil a cosmopolitan outlook heading into the modern era.
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The Maracana is one of the iconic structures in Rio and the stadium was packed.
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This was the first Olympics ever held in South America but Brazil had to overcome plenty of problems to ensure the Olympic opening ceremony went off without a hitch.
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Giselle Bundchen, a Brazilian supermodel, stole the show with a magnificent catwalk.
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A panoramic view of the Athletes parade as they entered the Maracana stadium.
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The Argentina contingent enjoyed themselves as they came out at the famous football stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
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The Spanish contingent was looking to make a mark in the Olympics with a strong team.
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Rafael Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam champion and a Olympic Gold medal winner in 2008 Beijing, was the flag-bearer for the Spanish team.
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Team Great Britain, who had a magnificent medal haul in 2012 London Olympics, was led by Andy Murray, Britain's gold medal winner in Tennis in 2012 and the recent Wimbledon champion.
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The United States of America, the most dominant team of the Olympics, was led by Michael Phelps, who has won 18 Gold Medals.
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Michael Phelps will be aiming to leave on an ultimate high as he plans to increase his medals count in this games.
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Abhinav Bindra, who won India's only Olympic Gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was India's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony.
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India have sent 118 athletes to the Rio Olympics, which is their largest ever.
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The Iraninan contingent was led by Zahra Nemati, the 2012 Taekwondo gold medalist who lost her legs in a car accident. She became the first Iraninan woman to become the country's flag bearer.
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The Japanese contingent arrived at the Maracana as the stadium continued to cheer every moment.
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However, the biggest cheer was reserved for the Refugee Olympic Team as they entered the Athletes parade. The Refugee Olympic team consists of refugees from Syria, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Brazil were the last team to be part of the Athletes parade as there was fun and dance.
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The Olympic games were officially declared open when Brazil's interim president Michel Temer announcing the games to begin amidst plenty of jeers from fans.
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The Olympic flag was also carried carried by Marta Vieira (Football), Ellen Gracie (First woman appointed to the Supreme Court in Brazil), Sandra Pires Tavares (Beach volleyball), Oscar Schmidt (Basketball), Joaquim Cruz (Athletics), Rosa Celia Pimentel (Cardiologist and founder of the Pro-Crianca hospital), Torben Grael (Sailing), Emanuel Rego (Beach volleyball)
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The Olympic torch arrived at the Maracana to light the flame.
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Gustavo Kuerten, the three-time French Open champion from Brazil, was slated to light the torch.
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However, it was marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima who lit the flame to kick-start the Rio Olympics.
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The Rio Games were officially open to the world and the two-week extravaganza promises to be the best in the business.
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The two-week extravanganza will conclude on August 21.

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