The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed that traditional Indian sarees will make a ceremonial return at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Game is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 and we will see Indian female athletes donning pre-pleated ikat printed sarees for the opening ceremony, while male athletes will wear kurta-pyjamas paired with bandi jackets.
This decision marks a revival of a tradition last seen at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where female athletes wore sarees paired with blue blazers. This time, the attire will be more matched and symbolic. The sarees will be complemented by saffron blouses, signifying strength and courage with a matching blouse pocket featuring the IOA insignia. The ikat printing technique, known for its intricate tie-dyed patterns, will be used to create sarees with green and orange accents to reflect the Indian Flag colors.
Male athletes will wear kurta-pyjamas with bandi jackets, which will also feature the IOA insignia. These jackets will have the tricolor imprinted on the tape and lower panels ensuring that the Indian flag’s colors are prominently displayed.
The decision to adopt traditional attire was approved by the IOA on May 28, following a push from the Indian government to highlight India’s cultural heritage on the global stage. This initiative is part of a broader effort to showcase Indian culture at major international events.
In past Olympics, Indian athletes have worn various forms of traditional and modern attire. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, female athletes wore golden salwar suits with jackets, while male athletes sported indigenous jackets with high collars. The traditional saree, however, was discontinued after the 2016 Rio Olympics, only to be reintroduced now for the Paris Games.
As India prepares to send 54 athletes for individual events and three squads for team events to Paris, the return of the traditional saree and the introduction of kurta-pyjamas with bandi jackets aim to create a visually striking and culturally resonant presence at the opening ceremony. This move not only celebrates Indian heritage but also instills a sense of pride among the athletes and the nation they represent.
Sources and Image: India TV
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