New Delhi: On August 9, while Indian athletes competed in the Olympic Village, another tribute to India’s Olympic journey was being paid in Paris. The 7th Arrondissement Town Hall hosted an art exhibition organized by the JSW Group, highlighting significant moments in Indian Olympic history. The event honored milestones dating back to 1920, when three Indian athletes set sail on the SS Mantua to participate in the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.

Among the artworks on display, a remarkable piece by Paris-based Indian artist Sujata Bajaj captured attention. Her canvas intricately combined the Indian flag with the Olympic rings, symbolizing the unity and universality of the Olympic spirit. Bajaj utilized the colors of both the Indian and French flags—orange, green, blue, white, and red—to create a dynamic and vivid representation. The central focus of her work was the Ashoka chakra, a powerful symbol of India, subtly infused with gold, silver, and bronze tones to represent the medals of Olympic achievement. Bajaj described her work as a reflection of the global unity embodied by the Olympic Games, with colors flowing together like world maps viewed from space.

The event also featured commissioned pieces by Sangita Jindal, chairperson of JSW Foundation. These included three hand-embroidered artworks crafted by artisans from the Chanakya School of Craft under the direction of Karishma Swali. The ‘Citius—Altius—Fortius’ series commemorated key moments in India’s Olympic history, such as Sakshi Malik’s bronze in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The detailed embroidery incorporated techniques like couching, bullion knots, and crochet, paired with traditional carpet-weaving methods.

Swali highlighted the synergy between sports and art, stating, “The vibrant colors and fluid silhouettes capture the dynamic energy and elegance of athletics, reflecting the intricate beauty of the craft.”

This Parisian exhibition not only celebrated India’s Olympic achievements but also demonstrated the deep connection between art and the enduring spirit of sports. Through these artistic expressions, the event paid homage to the resilience and success of Indian athletes on the world stage.

New Delhi: As the curtains fell on the Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a moment on Sunday to extend his sincere congratulations to the Indian contingent for their exemplary performance throughout the games. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister articulated the collective pride and admiration of the nation for the athletes who showcased their talent and determination on a global platform.

PM Modi acknowledged the significant efforts, resilience, and dedication of the Indian athletes who competed in the prestigious event. Despite the numerous challenges they encountered, the athletes’ commitment to their respective sports was unwavering. “As the Paris Olympics conclude, I appreciate the efforts of the entire Indian contingent throughout the games,” Modi remarked, a statement that resonated with countless Indians who followed the events with bated breath.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the athletes’ journey in the Olympics was about more than just the medals; it was about embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and setting a standard of excellence. “Every Indian is proud of the athletes who did their best,” he noted, underscoring the inspiration and national pride they instilled in their fellow citizens.

Beyond celebrating their achievements in Paris, PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes for the athletes’ future pursuits. His words serve as a powerful motivation for India’s sporting heroes to continue striving for greatness and to carry the nation’s hopes and dreams into future international competitions, keeping the tricolor soaring high.

New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic finals. The 29-year-old, hailing from Haryana, delivered an exceptional performance on Tuesday, overcoming several formidable opponents. Her journey culminated in a dominant 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals, securing her at least a silver medal in what is her third Olympic appearance.

Vinesh’s path to the finals exemplifies her remarkable resilience and determination. She has faced numerous challenges both on and off the mat, often grappling with societal norms and an ‘unjust system’ that sought to limit her potential. Despite these obstacles, she has continuously showcased her fierce spirit and defiance, qualities that have been central to her wrestling career. In the semifinals, Vinesh expertly combined strategic acumen with physical strength, outmaneuvering her opponent with a blend of intelligence and skill.

Her achievement is a watershed moment for Indian wrestling and a significant step forward for women’s sports in the country. Vinesh’s success serves as a powerful symbol of perseverance and resilience, inspiring countless young athletes to chase their dreams. Her journey to the Olympic finals not only brings immense pride to India but also offers a beacon of hope to aspiring sportswomen. As she stands on the verge of potentially winning an Olympic gold, Vinesh Phogat continues to exemplify the fighting spirit and dedication that have defined her illustrious career. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved through unwavering determination and hard work.