Pune: On the day when the entire country came to terms with the proposed name change of the nation from India to Bharat, the Indian Olympic Association(IOA) unveiled uniquely designed ceremonial dress and player kit for 19th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, IOA President PT Usha and senior officials attended the IOA’s grand send-off ceremony to India’s largest ever contingent for Asiad comprising 634 athletes in 38 sporting disciplines.
The Indian contingent was represented by Indian hockey goalkeepers PR Sreejesh (men), Savita Punia (women), woman shooter Manu Bhaker and 2018 Asian Games shot put gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor among sportspersons from many other disciplines.
Conceived and uniquely designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the ceremonial dress includes a khaki textured saree for women and khaki kurta for the male players.
The bandhgala jacket of male athletes and the high neck blouse for the women seamlessly blends Indian motifs and prints with quintessential Indian silhouettes that represents the rich cultural tapestry of India on the global stage. The attire embraces nature with recycled fabrics that promotes sustainability.
Speaking on the occasion Anurag Thakursaid, “It’s not just a uniform; it’s a symbol of pride and identity for our athletes. The uniform proudly represents India’s self-reliance and showcases the country’s diverse heritage and design leadership. I am confident that as much as the team will represent the young and new India; we will ensure historic performances and return with the best medal count. I urge the country to stand behind our athletes and cheer for them.”
The playing kit, crafted by JSW Inspire, the official sport apparel partner of the contingent, is designed by the talented Kashmiri designer Aaquib Wani who has also designed the Indian cricket team jersey. It is inspired by the country’s varied art forms that serves as a visual ode to the incredible diversity and unity that defines India, ensuring that every athlete carries a piece of their home state with them onto the field.
IOA President PT Usha said she expects every member of the contingent to make the best effort to make India proud. “We have waited long for the 2022 Asian Games and are delighted that India is sending its largest contingent of 634 athletes. We believe that this squad has the potential to get India its best medal haul as well,” she said.
“In the IOA, we have made every effort to place the athlete in the centre of our universe and ensure that they are well looked after.”
With 33 members, rowing has the largest unit after athletics going to Hangzhou to stake claim at medals. Meanwhile, a 15-member Esports team will also be at the Asian Games as the event makes its official debut.
The Indian contingent clinched 70 medals, including 16 gold, in the last edition of the Asian Games held in 2018 in Jakarta.
JSW Inspire, Reliance Foundation, Adani Sportsline and Samsonite are the principal sponsors to Team India for the 2022 Asian Games while Borosil, Skechers, Amul, SFA, Inox Group and The Leela palace hotels and resorts have joined hands as the associate sponsors and partners.
About Indian Olympic Association (IOA):
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is the National governing body which is an affiliated member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Established in 1927, the IOA is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It administers various aspects of sports governance and athletes’ welfare in India and also oversees the representation of athletes or teams participating in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and other international multi-sport events of IOC, CGF, OCA and ANOC. As a member of the IOC and OCA, IOA’s primary mission is to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in the country. IOA has also established various initiatives with different stakeholders for the development of sports education and Olympic studies.
