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The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), drawing lessons from prior experiences, announced on January 18 an array of initiatives aimed at ensuring the 'comfort' of its athletes during the upcoming Paris Games.
The commitment is to alleviate the athletes from the potential stress of logistical challenges during the significant event. These measures involve providing accommodations for athletes, particularly golfers, near their competition venue, setting up rehabilitation equipment tailored to the specific needs of Indian athletes at the Games village, and enlisting experts to safeguard the mental well-being of those embarking on the journey to Paris.
"Learning from past experiences and taking athlete comfort into consideration, the IOA is implementing strategic measures to ensure that the athletes are at their peak performance during the prestigious event," the IOA said in a statement.
So far, 49 Indian athletes, comprising 17 shooters and the men's hockey team, have secured qualification for the July-August Games. Anticipation is high for an increased number in the coming months, fueled by India's remarkable performance in Tokyo, where they garnered seven medals, including the historic gold in athletics by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.
The IOA has assured that golfers won't face the inconvenience of extensive travel to reach the course, a challenge they encountered in Tokyo, where they were accommodated in the Games village, a considerable 75 km away from the competition venue. Aditi Ashok, who narrowly missed a medal and finished fourth, had identified this as a significant challenge during her campaign.
"Unlike the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Indian golfers faced the unique challenge of daily travel exceeding one hour to reach the golf venue...The Indian golf team will be accommodated in a hotel in close proximity to the golf venue," the IOA said.
The IOA said that this initiative is aimed at reducing the burden of daily travel and enabling athletes to concentrate solely on their performance. The organisation also mentioned its collaboration with mental wellness and sleep therapy experts to deliver ‘comprehensive support’ to the Indian team.
"These initiatives aim to enhance the physical and mental resilience of the athletes, ensuring they are in optimal condition to compete at the highest level," it stated.
The IOA said that it is currently in discussions with the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to introduce ‘high-performance interventions’ at the Olympic Village.
"This includes the strategic placement of additional rehabilitation equipment, catering specifically to the needs of Team India athletes."
The IOA is also pushing for the incorporation of traditional Indian meals into the menu, a practice that has been implemented previously. IOA President P T Usha emphasised that ensuring athlete comfort is the foremost priority for the organisation.
"Our commitment is not just to participate, but to excel. We have learned from past experiences, and this time, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure our athletes are comfortable, supported, and ready to make the nation proud," she said.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by PTI)
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