The archery and rowing contingents have become the first from the country to arrive at the Paris Games Village, heralding India's presence at the upcoming Olympics.
India's chef-de-mission for the Paris Olympics, Gagan Narang, confirmed the arrival on Saturday and expressed the teams' eagerness to commence their Olympic campaign.
The archery and rowing teams checked in on Friday, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic participation.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's hockey team is expected to arrive on Saturday, flying in from the Netherlands where they have been fine-tuning their preparations.
Gagan Narang, a decorated shooter who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, arrived in Paris on Thursday night.
"I have taken stock of the arrangements inside the Games Village for the Indian contingent. Archery and rowing were the first Indian teams to arrive on Friday and have comfortably checked-in. The athletes are slowly settling in and are exploring the Village," said Narang.
Narang, who is a four-time Olympian and recipient of the prestigious Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awards, highlighted the palpable excitement among the athletes.
"The mood is certainly upbeat. We have the Indian men's hockey team arriving on Saturday. I am reminded of my hay days at the Olympics as an athlete," he reminisced.
Despite the excitement, Narang highlighted the athletes' focus on their upcoming events.
"While there is a lot of excitement, athletes will also want to get some game time in the competition arenas. We want to make sure the athletes have everything they need ahead of the start of their respective events," he added.
Narang expressed his gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for appointing him as the chef-de-mission for the Paris Games.
"It is a matter of great honour for me to travel with the Indian contingent as the Chef-de-Mission for Paris Olympics. I express my heartfelt gratitude for considering me for the role and giving me a chance to once again serve my country on the sports' biggest stage," Narang said.
"As an athlete myself, I fully understand the requirements of elite athletes at the world's greatest sporting extravaganza. I will work strenuously to motivate and inspire the Indian contingent while also safeguarding their priorities to perform at their optimum," he pledged.
Narang pointed out the importance of his role as the primary liaison between Indian athletes, the organizing committee, and other relevant stakeholders. "I am delighted to have the opportunity to play this crucial role and will ensure a smooth and efficient process," he assured.
India is fielding a formidable contingent of 117 athletes across 20 disciplines at the Paris Olympics.
"It is a matter of great pride for me to see the growing number of medal contenders in the Indian contingent. Each and every athlete in our contingent is capable of not only being on-par with the best athletes in the world but also surpassing them and bringing laurels to the nation," Narang stated.
With the Paris Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11, the Indian contingent is gearing up to make its mark.
"Having a strong contingent puts India on the hot seat as we gear up for Paris," Narang concluded.
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