Rio 2016: Flag bearer Abhinav Bindra leads Indian contingent as Olympic Games declared open

As the Opening Ceremony of the 31st Olympics began in Rio de Janeiro, India's largest ever contingent was led by flag bearer Abhinav Bindra. 

Dressed in blue blazers and sarees, the best sports athletes of India were all smiles, waving flags as they walked during the Opening ceremony that was a display of Brazilian energy, colours and music. This is the first time that the South American country has hosted Olympics. 

Watch the Indian delegation as they walk out in Rio with Abhinav Bindra leading them - 

WATCH: Abhinav Bindra leads the Indian Contingent at the #OpeningCeremony of the #Rio2016https://t.co/cNRDPfsCVr

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 6, 2016

The players, including the most experienced ones like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, have been tweeting about their excitement at being at Rio 2016. Seven time Olympian Paes posted pictures in the morning with fellow athletes saying, 'Proud to be an Indian today' 

Proud to be an Indian today  @Rio2016_en pic.twitter.com/XsglXQz8eO

— Leander Paes (@Leander) August 6, 2016

He later thanked his fans for their support in a video during the walk and tweeted it with the caption 'We did it India. Number 7 is Our Olympic Record!!!' 

We did it India...Number 7 is Our Olympic Record!!!  pic.twitter.com/RW6f07oiHp

— Leander Paes (@Leander) August 6, 2016

Olympic Record for Tennis #7... pic.twitter.com/GZG42dc2LG

— Leander Paes (@Leander) August 6, 2016

Sania, who tweeted a video of India's walk, seemed equally excited. 

Woohooooo time for some now ... #Olympics pic.twitter.com/vUinWeEofv

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) August 6, 2016

Other players like Dutee Chand and Ashwini Ponnappa also tweeted pictures of themselves with other athletes in the blue sarees.

Getting ready for the Grand Gala Opening Ceremony.. #Srabani pic.twitter.com/C0SVyNFzop

— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) August 6, 2016

All set for tonight :) @Guttajwala @Pvsindhu1 pic.twitter.com/KRW6WBsql7

— Ashwini Ponnappa (@P9Ashwini) August 5, 2016