What is ‘India House’ facility at the Paris Olympics 2024?
There were multiple instances when Indian athletes complained about food and lack of homely feeling when they took part in overseas events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games.
For the same reason, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), in collaboration with Reliance Foundation, has come up with a first-of-its-kind initiative named ‘India House’ for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11.
According to the report by TOI, the IOA, led by legendary athlete PT Usha, is all set to host the first-ever 'India House' to display India's rich cultural heritage, which also includes Indian cuisine, host yoga sessions and meet-and-greet sessions with Indian athletes.
‘India House’ is near the Games Village for the Paris Olympics
Furthermore, the report states that the India House will be a 40,000-square-foot facility near the Games Village. Additionally, the pavilion will also have a dedicated session to commemorate India's 100-year journey at the Olympics.
“When we were in Paris last month, we did have an opportunity to go and have a look at the place where the India House is being set up. It’s basically a facility which is not only meant for athletes but also for the Indian diaspora and fans to visit and enjoy the direct feed of matches involving Indian athletes," PT Usha said as quoted by TOI.
“A lot of cultural activities have been being planned where we will showcase India’s tourism, progress made in digitalisation and cultural activities. There will be a dedicated Indian food section for the country’s athletes and travelling Indian fans and mediapersons. Two restaurants will be set up which will serve food dishes from North and South India,” she added.
Moreover, the India House will also have a sports science center under the supervision of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the doctor who treated Vinesh Phogat and cricketer Rishabh Pant. The facility is expected to be inaugurated on July 28, a day after the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony on July 26.
Earlier ahead of the Tokyo Olympics 2020, JSW Group had announced setting up a first-ever 'India House' hospitality facility. However, as the Games were held in a bio-bubble, the Group had shelved the idea.