'This group will sustain India’s sports growth at Olympics,' Mansukh Mandaviya
Official Kit and ceremonial dress for the Indian Olympic contingent was unveiled by Indian Olympic Association.
Athletes of the Indian Contingent along with the officials and sponsors (Photo credit: IOA)
Paris 2024 Olympics-bound Indian athletes were buoyant about their prospects at a ceremonial send-off organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) at the Ashoka Hotel here on Sunday.
New Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and Indian Olympic Association President Dr. P.T. Usha were among the key dignitaries who unveiled three kits of the Indian team.
The kits, including the playing kit designed by JSW Inspire, the ceremonial dress designed by Tarun Tahiliani-owned TASVA, and performance shoes and travel gear by PUMA were on show during a ramp walk by the confident athletes.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said all Indians celebrated the hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the country’s athletes who have earned the honour of representing India on the biggest stage.
“This event is not just about the unveiling of uniform and ceremonial dress but a symbol of the dreams and aspirations of billions of Indians who stand united behind the athletes,” he said.
“I am confident that this contingent will sustain India’s growth trajectory in sports. We saw a spurt from two medals in Rio 2016 to seven in Tokyo 2020 as India rose from 67th to 48th, helped by Neeraj Chopra’s Javelin Throw gold medal. I am hoping that our athletes will take us even higher on the medal table this time,” he said.
Athletes wearing the Official Playing Kit along with officials (Photo credit: IOA)
In her welcome address, Dr. Usha said she had drawn on her experience as an athlete to ensure that India’s athletes would not be short of sports science support in Paris 2024. “We have drawn up a very athlete-centric plan to support our athletes to perform at their peak in Paris,” she said.
“We have assembled a strong team under Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala’s leadership. It includes sports medicine experts, wellness specialists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and a sleep scientist,” Dr. Usha said. “For the first time, IOA will also give a participation allowance to the athletes and the coaching and support staff. I am confident India will come back from Paris with its best showing in any Olympics.”
The design of Team India’s playing kit showcases the confidence, versatility, and ferocity of the terrains of India. Each contour and flow echoes the resilience of our landscapes, which is fierce, embodying the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes.
The fabric used in the kit provides the athletes with maximum comfort. The anti-static feature of the fabric avoids static cling while the stretch feature allows the garment to move with the athlete's body and conform to its shape, providing a comfortable, custom fit that allows for maximum range of motion.
The air vent allows the facilitation of airflow and heat dissipation. The moisture-wicking technology allows the fabric to draw moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the garment where it can evaporate. This will help keep the athlete's skin dry and cool during physical activity, reducing chafing or irritation. The anti-microbial feature helps prevent unpleasant odour and fabric degradation.
India will be sending a contingent of close to 120 athletes to the Olympics, including an Athletics team led by the defending champion in the men’s javelin Neeraj Chopra, a 21-member Shooting team, and a 16-member men’s Hockey team.