RIO DE JANEIRO (Sputnik) – The ceremony started on Friday evening, at around 20:00 local time (23:00 GMT). Over 60,000 spectators are watching the event.
Earlier, it was reported that retired Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten will light the cauldron at the opening ceremony.
About 12,000 athletes from a record 207 counties will walk across the stadium during the ceremony.
The themes of the Rio Olympics’ opening are the environment, diversity and joy.
The Summer Olympic Games are being held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro from August 5 until August 21.