The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown its unwavering support for the Indian contingent set to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. A total of 117 Indian athletes, along with seven reserves, are gearing up to represent the nation in the prestigious Olympic games, scheduled to commence on July 26 in the French capital. Accompanying the athletes will be 67 coaches and 72 other support staff members, all dedicated to ensuring the success of the contingent.
In a gesture of solidarity and encouragement, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently took to the microblogging site X to extend his best wishes to the Indian athletes as they prepare for the challenging competition ahead. Additionally, Shah announced a generous monetary support of INR 8.5 crores to aid the Indian contingent in their Olympic campaign.
“I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign,” Shah wrote.
“To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind,” he added.
The delegation consists of 29 members, including 11 women and 18 men from athletics, 21 from shooting, 19 from hockey, 8 from Table Tennis, 7 from Badminton, 6 each from Wrestling, archery, and boxing, 4 from golf, 3 from tennis, 2 each from swimming and sailing, and one each for equestrian, judo, rowing, and weightlifting.
As the City of Light prepares for the upcoming event, the venues are undergoing final preparations to welcome thousands of athletes and officials. The weather has also taken a turn for the better, with clear skies replacing months of rain.
Organizers have received a significant boost with the improved water quality of the river Seine, which will be utilized for outdoor Olympic swimming events. The river is set to be the focal point of the opening ceremony next Friday, where 6,000-7,000 athletes will sail down it on 85 barges and boats.
This will mark the first time a Summer Olympics has commenced outside the main athletics stadium. Up to 300,000 ticketed spectators are expected to watch from stands and river banks, with an additional 200,000 viewers anticipated from overlooking apartments.
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