Trisha Ghosal in Paris, 2nd August
It’s been nearly two weeks since I landed in Paris, living my dream of covering the Olympic Games. Doing so in a city as enchanting as Paris is a double delight, ticking off a major bucket list item. Covering a single sport is one thing, but immersing myself in the whirlwind of a multi-sport event is entirely different. Here’s a glimpse into my Olympic adventure.
Paris turned up the heat these past two days, making sure we didn’t feel homesick. Our team kept saying, “Paris feels like India.” But today brought a refreshing change: I woke to rain, cool weather, and the even cooler presence of Manu Bhaker. Manu, now a double Olympic medalist, shot with such ease that she eased the sting of yesterday’s losses by Nikhat, PV Sindhu, Sat-Chi, and Iga Swiatek.
While Manu was being debriefed, I faced my own briefing at the hotel breakfast arena about the absence of pancakes. The chef was unhappy with the waste, so pancakes were off the menu. The breakfast manager, a mix of strict and sweet, scolded guests for not finishing their food but remembered everyone’s preferences. Missing mom on tour? Not really.
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With Manu exceeding expectations, we dashed to the archery arena. Dheeraj and Ankita were making history, aiming for a top finish in the mixed event. The metro ride was quick, and we cheered for our blue brigade amid unpredictable weather—sunny and windy one moment, overcast the next. Dheeraj and Ankita made it to the semis but lost to South Korea, leading to a bronze medal match against the USA. The gallery was packed with USA and Korean supporters, but a small Indian contingent, including us, cheered fervently. Unfortunately, Ankita’s initial falters cost us the medal.
After archery, we sprinted to the badminton arena in Porte de La Chapelle. Boria and I ran to the metro, making me wonder if I was here to cover the Games or run a marathon! Our impromptu cardio session ended at the station, where volunteers handed out water bottles. The Paris metro is my best friend, though its daily five or six staircases are less appreciated. But with friends, you adjust.
Two metro changes and a ten-minute walk later, we arrived at the buzzing badminton arena. Parisian culture loves to take its time, evident in every park, fan zone, and venue. While some spectators played badminton in the fan zone, we watched Lakshya Sen. He warmed up slowly but soon dominated Chen Tien Chou, whose mental lapse was evident in his unforced errors.
After Lakshya’s victory, Rohan, Abhijit, and I explored Paris, heading to India House. Thanks to Mrs. Nita Ambani’s vision and Reliance Foundation, we proudly have our own India House at the Olympics. We were enjoying our tour when Abhijit dashed off, excited by a Marathi song. Zingaat started, one of my favorite dance numbers. People from all over the world joined in, dancing, singing, and enjoying Indian food. From Natu Natu to Bengal’s Durga Puja song, it was a celebration of India. Butter chicken, lachcha paratha, chicken biriyani, dosa, and more satisfied our cravings. The atmosphere at India House recharged us for the days ahead.
Thus ended a day full of sports, sprints, and celebrations in the heart of Paris, leaving me with cherished memories and stories to share. Paris, with its blend of culture, history, and the Olympics, is truly a city of dreams.
Also Read: Los Angeles 2028 in the works as Manu Bhaker looks to end Paris Olympics on a high