Sport

What makes Paris Olympic Games so special?

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2024

Paris 2024 is just one day away from the official opening and millions of Olympic Games fans around the world will be treated to what will surely be a magical spectacle.

For the first time in the history of the summer Olympic Games, Paris 2024 will host the iconic Opening Ceremony outside of a stadium – and it will be bigger than any one to ever come before.

The revolutionary event will take place on the Seine River, where the 10,500 athletes will float down the river on boats with their National Olympic Committees on Friday 26 July to kick off the Games.

The route is six kilometers long and will end in front of the Trocadéro – the site of the Palais de Chaillot, across the river from the Eiffel Tower.

Spectators will be able to watch the entire parade from the sides of the river and it is the first time an Opening Ceremony will be open to as many people as possible with no cost of admission, apart from one area.

Eighty giant screens will also be strategically placed with speakers throughout the French capital, so the whole city will be able to enjoy the atmosphere.

Phryge: Paris 2024’s Mascot

The Olympic Phryge was unveiled as the official mascot for the Paris Olympics back in November 2022. The Phryges are donned in red, white and blue colors – just like France’s flag – with the 2024 Olympic logo across their chests.

Special medals

From the iconic venues to the much anticipated Opening Ceremony, every athlete who makes it onto an Olympic podium will be taking home a piece of the Eiffel Tower.

A piece of original iron from the iconic landmark will sit in the center of each bronze, silver and gold medal in a hexagonal shape, branded with the logo of the Games.

The reverse side of the medal depicts an adaptation of the rebirth of the Games, featuring the goddess of victory Athena Nike.

Beyond the medals, here are more of the ways in which Paris will be an incredibly special edition of the Olympic Games.

Afghanistan broadcast schedule

Ariana Television Network (ATN) will meanwhile ensure fans in Afghanistan also get to enjoy this global sporting festival.

Friday’s opening ceremony will be broadcast on both Ariana Television and Ariana News from 10.30pm Kabul time – following a pre-show that starts at 10pm.

On Saturday, July 27, a pre-show will air from 11am, followed by Olympic events from 11.30am to 1.30am Sunday morning on Ariana Television.

Also on Saturday, Ariana News will broadcast Olympic events from 11am to 5.30pm.

All times are Kabul time.

Central Paris locks down for Olympics as athletes arrive

Related Topics:#Paris2024 ArianaNews featured ParisOlympicGames Sports

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Afghanistan trail Zimbabwe by 180 runs at stumps on day two of second Test

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan ended the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe at 159 for six after 48 overs, trailing by 180 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Zimbabwe, who resumed day two with a strong position after reaching 250 for five on the opening day, were bowled out for 339 in 114.5 overs in their first innings.

Afghanistan faced a challenging task in reply but managed to score 159 runs while losing six wickets by the close of play.

With a deficit of 180 runs and four wickets remaining, Afghanistan will look to build a stronger batting performance on day three and reduce the gap.

The second Test remains finely poised, with Zimbabwe holding the advantage heading into the third day.

Sport

Debutant Naseer Khan strikes four as Afghanistan fight back against Zimbabwe in second Test

Zimbabwe were well placed at 201 for one after nearly 58 overs, but Naseer triggered a middle-order collapse, taking three wickets in eight overs. Zimbabwe lost 3 for 12 during that period, and slipped from 201 for 1 to 250 for 5 at stumps.

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan fought back against Zimbabwe on the opening day of the second Test in Sharjah, with debutant left-arm spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil claiming four wickets to halt Zimbabwe’s strong start.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Zimbabwe made a solid start through Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran, who put together a 98-run opening partnership. Naseer broke the stand with his first delivery after lunch, trapping Curran lbw for 44.

Kaia then combined with Brendan Taylor for another strong partnership, adding 102 runs for the second wicket. Both batters reached half-centuries before Naseer turned the game around.

Kaia, batting on 96, was trapped lbw while attempting a slog sweep. In his next over, Naseer dismissed Zimbabwe captain Brian Bennett for a duck before Ziaur Rahman took a tumbling catch to remove Wessly Madhevere, who was caught at long-off after attempting to loft a delivery that stayed low.

Zimbabwe lost further momentum as Taylor and Antum Naqvi adopted a cautious approach following the three quick wickets. The pair added just 21 runs in nine overs before Naqvi struck a six off Naseer.

Taylor moved into the 90s with a boundary off Naseer, but Ziaur Rahman ended Naqvi’s 44-ball stay on eight runs, having him caught at first slip.

Taylor remained unbeaten on 96 at stumps, while Tafadzwa Tsiga was not out as Zimbabwe closed the day at 250 for five, leaving the second Test finely poised.

Sport

Argentina clinch futsal gold after defeating Portugal in Dakar 2026 final

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

Ariana News

Argentina claimed their first-ever men’s futsal gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Portugal in the final.

The closely contested match at Dakar Arena saw both teams enter the final with perfect records, having won all three of their group-stage matches. However, Argentina emerged victorious, with captain Lorenzo Sampedro scoring the decisive goal six minutes before the end of regular time.

Argentina’s triumph adds another chapter to the country’s Olympic football success, following the gold medals won by its men’s football team at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Argentina head coach Mariano Alberto Gomez praised his players for their performance, saying they had represented their country with pride after a lengthy preparation and participation in several tournaments.

Portugal’s Joao Carvalho expressed disappointment at missing out on gold but praised his team’s journey, saying the final was decided by small mistakes.

Earlier, Morocco secured the bronze medal after defeating Afghanistan 2-1 in the third-place playoff.

Afghanistan came close to forcing a late comeback, scoring with just 13 seconds remaining, but Morocco held on to secure third place.

Morocco coach Zakaria Kairi said winning an Olympic medal was a significant achievement for his young players, despite the team falling short of its original target of reaching the final and winning gold.

The results confirmed Argentina as futsal champions, Portugal as runners-up and Morocco in third place at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.