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.
Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and Indian Olympic Association President Dr. P.T. Usha, MP, 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 shoe 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 in the main 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.
The design of the Team India’s playing kit showcases the confidence, versatility and ferocity of the terrains of our mighty nation. With each contour and flow echoing the resilience of our landscapes, that is fierce, embodying the indomitable spirit of our athletes. It’s more than just fabric, it’s a symbol of pride, woven with the spirit of India’s champions.
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 their shape, providing a comfortable, custom fit that allows for maximum range of motion.
The air vent allows 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 defending champion in the men’s javelin Neeraj Chopra, a 21-member Shooting team and a 16-member men’s Hockey team.
