Olympic Highlights: Drama, Rain, and Controversy as Paris 2024 Kicks Off

The Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off with 14 gold medals up for grabs, a women's swimming showdown, and a river parade despite inclement weather. Highlights include China's first gold in the 10m Air Rifle, South Korea misidentified as North Korea, and a spying scandal in women's soccer involving Canada.

The Paris 2024 Olympics commenced with 14 gold medals up for contention, covering events such as shooting, Rugby Sevens, and Judo. The opening day's highlight was the women's 400m freestyle swimming showdown, touted as the 'race of the century,' featuring Ariarne Titmus, Katie Ledecky, and Summer McIntosh.

Despite a flamboyant opening ceremony, highlighted by a river parade and performances by Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura, inclement weather led to the postponement of men's street skateboarding. La Concorde, Paris's largest square, witnessed quiet stands due to the rain.

A notable blunder occurred as the International Olympic Committee mistakenly introduced South Korea's delegation as from North Korea. This incident overshadowed China's triumph in securing the first gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Meanwhile, a drone spying scandal involving Canada's women's soccer team has added to the drama at the Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)