The Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris has officially kicked off and the nation is holding its breath as Indian athletes take on the grand stage. On July 26, badminton legend PV Sindhu and table tennis star Sharath Kamal, the flagbearers for India, led the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony on the River Seine. This was the first time that the Olympic opening ceremony was conducted outside a stadium. The athletes donned tri-coloured ethnic garments and enthusiastic smiles as they waved at the audience, poised to make the nation proud.
Opening Ceremony On River Seine
About 117 athletes from India have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, eager to achieve glory for the nation. At the opening ceremony, the athletes created a spectacular display as they arrived on boats and waved the national flag with pride. The vibrant display of patriotism and thrill reflected their dedication and hard work.
Flagbearer PV Sindhu is the only Indian woman athlete to have won two Olympic medals. She grabbed the silver medal in the women's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and followed that with a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games. At the Tokyo Olympics 2021, boxer Mary Kom and hockey player Manpreet Singh were India's flagbearers.
Gagan Narang As Chef-de-Mission
Narang spoke to the media about the Indian contingent's arrival at Games Village. "I arrived here in Paris on and have taken stock of the arrangements inside the Games Village for the Indian contingent. The athletes are slowly settling in and exploring the Village. The mood is certainly upbeat," he said, according to The Statesman.
The 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist noted, "As an athlete myself, I fully understand the requirements of elite athletes at the world’s greatest sporting extravaganza. I will work strenuously to motivate and inspire the Indian contingent, while also safeguarding their priorities to perform their optimum. I am delighted to have the opportunity to play the role of the primary liaison between our athletes, the organizing committees, and other relevant stakeholders during the Games and will ensure a smooth and efficient process."
Narang is also a Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awardee. He expressed, "It is a matter of great honour for me to travel with the Indian contingent as the Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics. I express my heartfelt gratitude for considering me for the role, and giving me a chance to once again serve my country on the sports’ biggest stage."
Indian Athletes To Sport Ethnic Wear At Opening Ceremony
The saree as a ceremonial uniform for Indian women athletes at a sporting event was last seen eight years ago, at the Rio Olympics 2016. However, the traditional six yards is marking a comeback with a different twist at the upcoming Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris, according to reports.
Fashion mogul Tarun Tahiliani has designed pre-pleated ikat sarees for women and a kurta-bundi set for men representing India at the Paris Games. “This ceremonial dress beautifully combines classic Indian style with a modern, athletic touch," Tahiliani said in a statement on Instagram.
The fashion designer said, "The kurta-bandi set is crafted from lightweight moss cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort. The saree, a symbol of grace and cultural identity, is reimagined in viscose crepe for a natural drape and breathability, ensuring our athletes feel both elegant and comfortable."
The athletes are poised to showcase not only their athletic prowess but also the cultural richness of India at the Paris Olympics 2024. The saree was discontinued after the 2016 Olympics to give way for salwar suits for women athletes at international sporting events like the Common Wealth Games and Asian Games.
At the previous Olympics (Tokyo 2021), the women wore a golden salwar kameez with a jacket, while men wore blazers over matching format trousers along with head turbans. This year, the Government of India pushed for traditional attire, where women would wear sarees while men would don sport bandi jackets with kurta-pyjamas. The uniforms will have the impression of the Indian flag and IOA logo.
According to a report in the Times of India, the sarees have been given an upgrade from the last time, going pre-draped to provide the utmost comfort to the athletes. The uniforms are also reportedly handcrafted and the ikat tie-dyed fabrics have undergone a "meticulous process of resist dyeing, resulting in intricate patterns," the report stated.
Indian athletes to have their own pavilion
For the first time in Olympic history, Indian athletes will have their own pavilion, the India House, at the Paris Games 2024. The initiative was introduced by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), marking the country's consistent commitment to sports. According to reports, the India House will be located at the heart of the Games' designated "Park of Nations," Parc de la Villette, alongside pavilions from other participating countries.
The India House aims to serve as a home base for Indian athletes, a hub for fans to connect, and a window into India's rich cultural tapestry for global visitors, according to Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation and member of the International Olympic Committee.
She describes it as "a space where we will honour our athletes, celebrate our wins, share our stories, and welcome the world to India." She said in an Instagram video, "We truly hope that India House will be one more step towards fulfilling the shared dream of 1.4 billion Indians to bring the Olympic Movement to India!"
Sleep Coach For Indian Olympians
In another historic moment, a sleep trainer will accompany the Indian contingent at the Paris Games as part of the sports science team to ensure the athletes get sufficient rest. From July 26 to August 11, an Indian sleep coach, Dr Monika Sharma, would take on the responsibility of making sure the athletes are not sleep-deprived ahead of their big game.
Dr Sharma told the news organisation Indian Express, "The aim essentially is to develop an environment which is sleep conducive. The Olympic Village is a stressful environment; not ideal sleeping conditions. We will support and help the athletes in coping with the challenges and mitigate their consequences."
Moreover, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed medical team is reportedly installing sleeping pods inside the Games Village, giving the athletes exclusive access. The contingent will also be given a ‘travel sleeping kit' containing sleep masks, travel pillows and ear plugs, among other things to ensure the athletes have a comfortable and restful sleep.
The Paris Olympics 2024 has been scheduled for July 26, 2024, to August, and athletes and para-athletes across the country are bringing their A-game and making a striking impression at qualification events. Sporting communities all over India are set to showcase their skills and national pride on the international stage.
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