In a year, the world’s biggest sporting spectacle will unfold in Paris.

And while the fortnight from 26 July to 11 August 2024 will be the showcase for the world’s best athletes at Paris 2024, the celebrations anticipating the event have already begun.

Badminton players who seek to qualify for Paris 2024 have already embarked on their qualification journey, which started 1 May 2023 and will go on till 28 April 2024.

The test event for badminton will be the YONEX French Open, to be held on 5-10 March 2024.

The badminton competition at Paris 2024 will begin at 8.30am 27 July with the group stage. The first five days will see action over three sessions each day (8.30-12; 2pm-5.30pm; 7.30-11pm). Medal matches begin 2 August and will be held over four days (two sessions each day), with the last gold medal match to be held on 5 August 2024, starting 2.30pm.

The Torch

The one-year countdown was preceded by the unveiling of the torch on 25 July. Its designer, Mathieu Lehanneur, was inspired by three symbols of the upcoming Games: equality, water and peacefulness.

The Torch Relay is an outstanding tradition that takes us back to the roots of the Games. The first torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay will be lit on 16 April 2024, following the ancient tradition, during a ceremony held in the sanctuary of Olympia, in Greece, where the ancient Games were held. The Olympic Flame will head to Athens and cross the Mediterranean Sea and begins its journey across France from Marseille on 8 May 2024.

Beyond Sport

But Paris 2024 won’t be only about athletes. The Olympic Games emphasise the importance of inclusiveness and bonding over sport.

Perhaps the most innovative approach of these Games is to make it accessible to everyone. From village squares to gardens and parks throughout France, neighbourhood stadiums and school playgrounds, as well as historic sites, towns and cities across France and in French overseas territories will become places for celebrating and sharing, open-air playing fields to meet up and take part in activities and events during the summer of 2024.

With the ambition to get France celebrating during the Games, Paris 2024, liaising with host communities, have put together a programme of celebration venues, with a range of sports, cultural and celebratory activities and events: the Club 2024 zones.

They will enable as many people as possible to share a unique and complete Olympic and Paralympic experience. Open to everyone, from sports fans to people who are simply curious and want to find out more, the Club 2024 zones will offer opportunities to celebrate with other fans.