Team India’s official uniform for the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony has been unveiled, designed by renowned fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. Unfortunately, the result has left many feeling disappointed and underwhelmed. The designer aimed to showcase patriotism through fashion, but the attempt fell short of capturing the spirit of Indian pride.
For the opening ceremony, India’s sportswomen will don saris, while the male athletes will wear a kurta Bundi set, both featuring elements of the Tricolour. The sari includes a border in green and orange with an intricate white print, paired with an orange high-collar blouse and brown shoes. The men’s kurta-Bundi set features a plain white kurta with minimal border details, a white churidar, and a jacket with subtle orange and green border accents.
India’s contingent for the Paris Games will consist of 117 athletes, including seven reserves, slightly fewer than the 124 athletes sent to Tokyo 2020. The table tennis team boasts eight players, while the badminton squad includes seven competitors, among them two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu.
Athletes to watch include familiar faces such as Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and PV Sindhu, all medal winners from Tokyo. Chopra aims to secure another Olympic gold, while Sindhu hopes to make history with her third individual Olympic medal, a first for India. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who already holds an Olympic gold, could become India’s most successful Olympic boxer in Paris. Eleven of the 16 members of India’s men’s hockey squad in Paris were part of the bronze-winning team in Tokyo, raising expectations for another strong performance.
In golf, Aditi Ashok has the potential to become India’s first-ever Olympic medallist. Badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who have had a stellar few years, are also strong contenders. Wrestler Ravi Dahiya, despite being defeated by Aman for a spot in Paris, carries high expectations as the first Indian wrestler to win the U-23 World Championship.
The youngest member of the Indian contingent, 14-year-old Dhinidhi, will compete in the women’s 200m freestyle on a universality quota. She will join veteran swimmer Srihari Nataraj. Other medal prospects include wrestler Vishesh Phogat and boxer Nikhat Zareen.
With a diverse and talented team, India’s athletes are poised to make their mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite the lukewarm reception of their ceremonial attire. The nation eagerly anticipates their performances, hoping for a haul of medals and historic achievements.
