Boria Majumdar in Paris
India has traditionally been known to mess up on the finer points related to athletes’ comfort and well-being at the Olympic Games. Vinesh Phogat crying out in pain in Rio, in the absence of a proper medical team, was a grim reminder. Not so in Paris. The presence of Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala has made a real difference in that regard. What is also as important is the conscious effort to ensure athletes’ comfort.
At the insistence of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Ministry, 40 portable air conditioners were delivered to the Indian contingent in the Games village yesterday. In fact, at the time of writing, 11 pm, some of these ACs were still lying there and any athlete wanting to take one was asked to do so. A source confirmed on condition of anonymity that no athlete had complained of the heat or related discomfort, and this was the IOA and the ministry being proactive. Some of the hockey stars did take up the offer and get the ACs installed in their rooms.
“Not just ACs,” said the source. “Earlier, we used to share ice baths and such things with others. Now, we have 3 sleep pods, 2 masseur tables, 5 physio tables, ice baths and everything of our own. This has been the most athlete-centric game in that regard.”
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
While it is important to be critical and point out the deficiencies, as we did with regard to food in the village, it is also important that we point out what is good and proper and how the Indian athletes have been adequately taken care of.
Since Sumit Nagal and some of the other athletes complained to us about the food, maybe it is time the Indians have their own chef as well for the athletes. It would solve a lot of issues and save a lot of heartburn. If 117 athletes can be backed by 118 support staff, including coaches, physios and mental trainers, there’s no reason why a couple of chefs can’t be added to the contingent to ease the anxiety over food.
For the moment, however, the Indians can breathe a sigh of relief with the air conditioners having reached their building. Paris is yet again expected to touch 33 degrees Celsius early next week, and the ACs would be a welcome addition to help with athletes’ comfort.
Also Read: Sheer tenacity takes Lakshya Sen one step closer to date with Olympic destiny