IOA President PT Usha reaches French capital ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has reached the French capital ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony. The Indian contingent, comprising 117 athletes, including 70 men and 47 women, has started settling into the Olympic Village. Competing across 16 sports, Indian athletes aim to surpass their previous best performance from the Tokyo Olympics, where they clinched seven medals.
49 athletes, including PV Sindhu and the formidable men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have also touched down in Paris, ready to make their mark.
In addition, the men’s hockey team, which has high hopes of securing a podium finish, has also arrived. Alongside them, a strong shooting contingent, including stars like Manu Bhaker, is honing their skills at their training facilities in Paris. The Indian archery team and the table tennis team have also reached the French capital.
Neeraj Chopra, the defending gold medalist, in men’s javelin throw who will spearhead a 29-member athletics team, is yet to reach the French Capital. The athletics team includes standout performers like Avinash Sable, competing in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, and Annu Rani, participating in the women’s javelin throw.
PT Usha prioritizing athletes' health and conditioning at the Paris Olympics 2024
PT Usha has stressed the importance of focusing on the well-being of athletes. She pointed out that the IOA, working together with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and different sports associations, has made significant efforts to enhance both the physical and mental health of athletes.
"From the IOA side, we have done very well this time. We have given priority to players, whatever they want," PT Usha told myKhel.
"At the last minute, we wanted our athletes to participate with a very peaceful mind so that they can do their best there," she added.
Moreover, PT Usha has actively ensured that athletes' accommodations and support staff are well-coordinated. She noted that apartments near the Athletes' Village have been secured for sports-specific support staff to provide the athletes with all the help they require.
She made sure a comprehensive sports science team accompanying the athletes, featured mental wellness therapists, sleep experts, recovery specialists, nutritionists, and physiologists.