PANAJI: With 50 days to go for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Indian Olympic Association unveiled an impressive ceremonial and official sports attire for the Indian contingent that will participate in the Games of the XXXII Olympiad scheduled to be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, says a press release by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju unveiled the official kit for Team India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the presence of IOA President, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra and Secretary General, Rajeev Mehta.
The event was also attended by Ravi Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sandip Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority of India, Chef de Mission of the Indian Contingent, B. P. Baishya, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chef de Mission Dr. Prem Chand Verma. Olympic bound athletes Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar, Deepak Punia, Sumit, Seema Bisla and Neeraj Chopra were also present for the unveiling ceremony held at the residence of the Sports minister.
The official styling partner – Raymond will deliver the ceremonial kits and the official sports apparel partner – Li-Ning will supply the sports attire, including the travel and playing kits for the athletes heading to Tokyo.
Li-Ning designed the official sports kit inspired by India’s national colours and integrated unique graphics to emote the energy and pride of the Indian Olympic Team. The designs of the official kits were curated by the Indian Olympic Association with a helping hand and support from designer Iditri Goel.
Gracing the ceremony as the chief guest, Rijiju said: “We are just 50 days away from the Tokyo Olympic Games. Now every day, every second counts. The launch of the official kit of the Indian Olympic team is an important aspect and it is very significant that it is being launched on this day. I am happy to say that our athletes are well prepared for the biggest sporting event and as our Prime Minister has said, the entire country must rally behind our athletes so that they are motivated to give their best at Tokyo. I urge every Indian to cheer for the Indian squad.”
On the occasion of the official kit unveiling ceremony, Dr. Batra, president of Indian Olympic Association, congratulated all the athletes who had earned a place at the Tokyo Olympic Games and expressed his confidence that the Indian athletes will make the nation proud as they shine and fly the tricolor high at the Tokyo Games.
Offering vote of thanks at the event, IOA Secretary General, Mehta said, “I’m grateful to Shri Kiren Rijiju ji for unveiling the ceremonial and playing apparel of Team India heading to the Tokyo Olympic Games next month. The unveiling of the sports kits for Team India coincides with the Remembrance Day of the visionary first President of the Indian Olympic Association – Sir Dorabji Tata, which is of great significance to the organisation and the team.” He also added, “We are sending one of the best Indian teams till date which comprises of many young and experienced talent, including fencer C. A. Bhavani Devi who is set to represent the country for the first time in Fencing sport, in the history of the Games. All the athletes are training hard and are motivated for the Tokyo Olympics and I’m hopeful that our athletes will excel at the Games and will bring laurels for our country”.
India will send a strong contingent to the Tokyo Olympic Games and so far, athletes from 11 sports including Boxing, Hockey, Wrestling, Yachting, Athletics, Archery, Equestrian, Fencing, Rowing, Shooting and Table Tennis have qualified, with athletes from more disciplines expected to qualify further.
Rashesh Shah, Chairman & CEO, Edelweiss Group said: “Olympics stand for endurance, excellence, long-haul training and hard work, values that strongly resonate with us at Edelweiss. As the world tackles an unprecedented pandemic challenge, the Tokyo Olympics will remind us of the values of resilience, perseverance and compassion in a whole new way. We are honoured and privileged to be able to support India’s Olympic dream with IOA and look forward to the Indian contingent scaling new heights in Tokyo”
Edelweiss is the Principal Sponsor, Inox Group is the Entertainment partner and Nippon Paint is associate sponsor of IOA for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Celebrated Bollywood Playback singer and composer, Mohit Chauhan closed the evening on a fantastic note as he presented an awe-inspiring Olympic theme song, dedicated to the Indian athletes heading to the greatest sporting spectacle on earth, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
