Paris Olympics: How does Team India’s building look from the inside

July 26, 2024

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Paris Olympics: How does Team India’s building look from the inside

The Indian contingent is preparing for the Paris Olympics and their home away from home is a vibrant and bustling space within the Athletes’ Village. Draped in the Indian tricolour, the 7-story building houses have approximately 30 apartments for the 117 athletes who will represent the country at the Games.

The atmosphere within the Indian quarters is full of excitement and supportive of each other. The quarters have a ‘Wall of Positivity’ adorned with inspiring hand-written messages from different Indian athletes. One of the message from 14-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu that says, “Remember that you, me and everyone else around you are amazing” sets the tone for a supportive and uplifting environment. The adjacent gaming zone, equipped with FIFA and Minecraft, offers a much-needed break from the intense training schedule. For those seeking relaxation, there are sleeping pods, an ice bath machine, and on-call massage services.

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Paris Olympics

India’s Paris Olympics building is strategically located with high-profile neighbours like Spain, Italy, and Serbia. While the athletes enjoy the company of their fellow competitors, they are also facing challenges. The limited food options, particularly the scarcity of Indian cuisine, have been a point of concern. Additionally, the transportation system within the village has faced criticism for its unreliability.

Despite these inconveniences, the Indian contingent is determined to make the most of their time in Paris. The focus remains on training and preparation for the upcoming competitions. The support staff, including Chef de Mission Gagan Narang and Deputy CDM Shiva Keshavan, are working tirelessly to ensure the athletes have everything they need to perform at their best.

The Athletes’ Village offers a variety of dining options, including grab-and-go counters scattered throughout. A dedicated bakery churns out over 2000 pastries and breads daily. Interestingly, some of the village’s training facilities were once bustling film studios. For example, American basketball legend LeBron James is currently training in a space previously used for the filming of “Emily in Paris.”

Paris Olympics

Designed with input from 41 architects, the village boasts a modern aesthetic. However, the accommodations have faced criticism for their compact size. Athletes, including boxer Amit Panghal, have described the rooms as smaller than those in previous Olympics. These minimalist units typically consist of three rooms, each housing two single beds and a bathroom.

As the Paris Olympics draw closer, the Indian contingent’s focus shifts to the competitions ahead. With the support of their Indian teammates and the guidance of their support staff, athletes are ready to make their mark on the world stage.