Rio Olympics 2016: Abhinav Bindra leads the Indian Contingent

The 31st Summer Olympic Games today opened in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.

The Indian contingent, led by its flag bearer and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, entered the stadium as the 95th country. Leander Paes and Jwala Gutta were among the Indian stars.

Delivering a message for planet earth, the athletes were given seedlings to plant. The seeds, representing each of the delegations that will participate in the games, will be planted and turned into a small Olympic forest in Rio.

Around 70 Indian athletes (out of 118) and 24 officials took part in the march. The male athletes wore navy blue blazer and trousers, while women contingent put on a traditional saree and blazer on top. India has fielded its biggest ever contingent in this Olympics.