 "India kit for Paris Olympics")
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA Chief PT Usha during the launch of the ceremonial dress and playing kit for the 2024 Paris Olympics, in New Delhi. Photo: PTI
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday expressed optimism about the Indian contingent setting a new benchmark at the upcoming Paris Olympics, emphasising that sports have been a priority area in recent years.
“I am confident that this contingent will sustain India’s growth trajectory in sports,” said Mandaviya during the ceremonial send-off of the Paris-bound athletes and the unveiling of the playing kits of the contingent.
Check latest news on Paris Olympics 2024 here
Attended by athletes, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, the event also highlighted the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme in supporting athletes ahead of the Games.
#WATCH | Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha says, “This time I wanted our athletes to be at peace and didn’t want them to be tensed, and we have made all arrangements accordingly… I hope they perform their best…” pic.twitter.com/5up8lnF25x
— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2024
The Paris-bound Indian contingent’s three kits — ceremonial dress, playing attire, and performance shoes with travel gear — were unveiled.
 "India kit for Paris Olympics")
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and IOA Chief PT Usha launch the ceremonial dress and playing kit for the 2024 Paris Olympics, in New Delhi
“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.
“The government has worked relentlessly to support athletes across disciplines to keep their world ranking high, to send them to train in different locations in India and abroad, to engage renowned foreign experts as coaches and support staff and to ensure the sports ecosystem keeps pace with the evolution around the world, he added.
IOA chief Usha said athletes in Paris would be provided with the best support system.
“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,” said Usha.
The Indian contingent comprises of close to 120 athletes, including Olympic gold medallist in javelin throw Neeraj Chopra, a record number of 21 shooters a 16-member men’s hockey team.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First Published: Jul 01 2024 | 8:42 AM IST
