RIO DE JANEIRO: The 31st Olympics officially began today with Acting President of Brazil Michel Temer declaring the Games open amidst glamorous opening ceremony here at the Maracana Stadium.

Unlike the previous editions of the Summer Games which used to impress the world with glittering ceremonies, the Brazilian organisers of the first-ever Olympics held in South America made it a simple yet fascinating function that was used to reflect the history, culture and tradition of the country. High-ranking officials from various countries attended the ceremony.

Tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, popularly known in Brazil as Guga, brought the Olympic Torch into the Maracana and handed it over to former basketball player Hortencia. Former marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima took the Torch from Hortencia and lit the Cauldron.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach handed over the Olympic Laurel to legendary Kenyan athlete Kipchoge Keine, who has been taking care of orphans in his home country. The award was established this year to recognise notable contributions to the Olympic movement.

Hundreds of children ran into the stadium with white kites, which carried the messages of the kids across the world about their ambitions for a peaceful and safe world. Legendary duo Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil teamed up with carioca singer Anitta to pull the curtain down but not before bringing the crowd to its feet by singing Ary Barroso’s classic ‘Sandalia de Prata’. The Maracana was literally lit up under the fireworks.

Khatri carries Nepal’s flag

More than 10,500 athletes from 206 nations and refuge team are scheduled to participate in the 17-day extravaganza. The Games feature 306 events in 42 sports disciplines at 37 different venues across the city. The International Olympic Committee allowed the refugee team under its flag for the first time. The 10-member refugee team entered the stadium amidst a huge round of applause just before the Brazilian contingent. IOC introduced the refugee team, which included five players from South Sudan, two each from Syria and Congo and one from Ethopia, in June. They are scheduled to compete in athletics, swimming and judo. The United States of America have the biggest squad of 554 athletes in Rio, while Tuvalu have sent just one athlete, 100m runner Etimoni Timuani.