New Delhi: At the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony, Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and table tennis champion Achanta Sharath Kamal led the Indian contingent with grace and style, wearing custom-made outfits by renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani.
PV Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal shine in traditional Indian outfits by Tarun Tahiliani
PV Sindhu dazzled in an ivory cotton saree featuring a tricolour-themed border, while Achanta Sharath Kamal donned a traditional kurta-bundi set, also accented with tricolour borders. Both ensembles incorporated ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional Indian aesthetics.
Sindhu’s saree, crafted from viscose crepe, draped elegantly around her figure and was paired with a high-neck blouse. Sharath Kamal’s kurta set, made from lightweight cotton moss fabric, ensured breathability and comfort in the French climate. Both outfits featured digital prints with saffron and green panels inspired by ikat designs.
The ceremonial dress for Team India, designed by Tahiliani, includes a kurta-bundi set for male athletes and a sari with ikat-inspired digitally printed panels for female athletes. The sari, paired with sneakers adorned with traditional Banarasi brocade, is both elegant and functional, symbolizing peace and unity with its ivory base and blue buttonholes representing the Ashoka Chakra.
Sindhu and Sharath Kamal, in their stunning Tarun Tahiliani-designed ensembles, made a memorable impact as they led the Indian Olympic contingent in Paris, embodying the spirit and heritage of India on the global stage.
Tarun Tahiliani on designing the ceremonial dress for the Paris Olympics 2024
Tarun Tahiliani shares that the Olympic outfits were inspired by a blend of India’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary design, capturing the spirit of ‘India Modern.’ He felt it was important to incorporate the tricolour palette to highlight national pride. The use of ikat-inspired prints, a technique prevalent in various Indian regions, adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship to the garments.
Tahiliani aimed to create attire that was not only visually striking but also comfortable and functional for athletes. This led to innovations such as pre-pleated sarees for ease of wear and contemporary features like panel detailing, safari pockets, and rolled-up sleeves for the kurta-bundi set. These design elements merge tradition with modernity, perfectly representing India at the Paris Olympics.
New Delhi: Indian rower Balraj Panwar finished fourth in the men’s singles sculls event on Saturday in what was his debut at the Olympics Games in Paris at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. He clocked a timing of 7:07.11s to end at fourth spot in the six-men Heat 1. The 25-year-old will next compete in the Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
