HomeSports NewsParis Olympics 2024: Team India’s ceremonial outfits blend tradition with modernityAs the world waits for the 2024 Summer Olympic games to begin in Paris, team India is getting ready to make a bold statement — not just in sports, but in fashion as well. CNBC-TV18’s Shivani Bazaz gets a special report on the inspiration and symbolism behind team India’s ceremonial uniforms at the Olympics this year.By Shivani Bazaz July 9, 2024, 12:12:06 AM IST (Published)Paris, renowned for its luxury fashion, is set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26th to August 11th. The opening and closing ceremonies promise to be a fashion spectacle, with teams showcasing designs that reflect their heritage.Team India’s ceremonial outfits come from the studios of the popular designer Tarun Tahiliani, in collaboration with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail’s ready-to-wear brand, Tasva. For the first time, Team India’s ceremonial outfits will be a fusion of tradition and modernity, inspired by the most Indian symbol there is: the tricolour flag.Tahiliani explains, “When I was doing my research on what athletes wore at the opening parade, the one thing that struck me, and it’s something that India hadn’t followed, was that they march with this big flag, and the athletes wear something that always corresponds with the flag. So it seemed logical for me to use the tricolour as inspiration. It’s white, with the orange, the green, and then the very dark blue, which is used in the chakra.”Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: PV Sindhu to be India’s flag bearer along with Sharath KamalTahiliani’s vision includes elements that resonate with India’s rich textile heritage while ensuring a contemporary, sporty appeal. The designs incorporate ikat weaves in the Bundi jackets, with details inspired by hunting and safari outfits, symbolising the gladiator-like spirit of modern athletes.For the opening ceremony, male athletes will wear kurta bundi sets, while female athletes will don sarees featuring digitally printed panels in saffron and green, symbolising the Ashoka Chakra for peace and unity. Custom sneakers give the outfit a modern twist.Tahiliani notes, “Unlike the other years where they march around the stadium, the Olympian teams are going to sail down on barges down the Seine. We imagine that because of the wind, the flag will be fluttering, and all our 300 athletes will be standing behind. So we decided to give them a sneaker. How do we do a sneaker that feels Indian? So we used tassels, gold brocade, and made that into the sneaker.”The outfits are made from breathable fabrics like cotton moss, ensuring comfort without compromising on style. Tahiliani says they reflect the impeccable tailoring Paris is known for, while retaining the essence of Indian tradition. He’s certain Team India will make a mark at the Olympic games in both sportsmanship and style.
Paris Olympics 2024: Team India’s ceremonial outfits blend tradition with modernity
