The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step to support Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024. On Sunday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced that the board will provide Rs 8.5 crores to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for the campaign. This financial assistance aims to bolster the preparations and morale of the Indian contingent as they head to Paris for the prestigious global event.
Shah shared the news on social media platform X, expressing his pride and support for the athletes. He wished them the very best and urged them to make the nation proud. The Paris Olympics 2024 will commence on July 26 and conclude on August 11. India hopes to surpass its medal tally from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the nation secured seven medals, including a gold, two silver, and four bronze.
A total of 117 athletes from India will compete across 20 disciplines at the Paris Olympics. Among the early arrivals in Paris are teams competing in rowing, archery, and men’s hockey. As the athletes settle into the Olympic Village, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. India’s Chef-De-Mission Gagan Narang, a bronze medalist from the 2012 London Olympics, shared his thoughts on the upbeat mood of the contingent.
Narang mentioned that he arrived in Paris on Thursday night to assess the arrangements for the Indian team. The archery and rowing teams were the first to arrive and have comfortably settled in. The athletes are gradually acclimating to their new surroundings and are eager to begin their campaigns.
Narang expressed confidence in the capabilities of each athlete, stating that they are not only capable of competing at the highest level but also of surpassing some of the best in the world.
The mood within the Indian contingent is one of optimism and determination. The men’s hockey team, which arrived on Saturday, is particularly excited to begin their Olympic journey.
Narang, reminiscing about his own Olympic experiences, noted the blend of excitement and readiness among the athletes. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the athletes have everything they need to perform at their best in their respective events.
Narang also highlighted the increasing number of medal contenders within the Indian contingent. He expressed pride in seeing the growth and strength of Indian athletes, stating that their presence at the Olympics puts India in a strong position. The goal is not only to compete but to achieve excellence and bring glory to the nation.
In the realm of cricket, India recently celebrated a significant victory by securing the ICC T20 World Cup. The Indian team triumphed over South Africa in a thrilling final, winning by seven runs.
Key performances from Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya were instrumental in this victory. The team’s success in cricket serves as an inspiration for the athletes heading to the Olympics, showcasing the potential for Indian sports to achieve great heights on the global stage.
The BCCI’s contribution to the IOA underscores the importance of supporting athletes and investing in their success. As the countdown to the Paris Olympics 2024 begins, the Indian contingent is geared up to make their mark and bring pride to the nation.
With the backing of the BCCI and the support of the nation, the athletes are ready to take on the challenges and showcase their talents on the world stage.