The Business Bytes
Mumbai, June 26, 2024 (TBB Bureau): As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics, set to commence in exactly one month, India is preparing to make history with the introduction of its first-ever country house at the Games – the India House.
The India House at the Paris Olympics will be a “home away from home” for the travelling national contingent and will also provide a glimpse into the country’s “rich cultural and sporting heritage”, IOA President P T Usha and IOC member Nita Ambani have stated.
Conceptualized by the Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the India House will celebrate the nation’s rich cultural and sporting heritage, showcasing India’s storied past, vibrant present, and promising future, alongside advancements in technology and digitalization. The India House aims to embody the spirit of unity, diversity, and excellence that defines the Indian ethos.
Nita M. Ambani, IOC member and Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, expressed her excitement about this landmark initiative, stating, “It is with immense joy and excitement that I am thrilled to announce the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympic Games. The IOC session in India last year, the first in 40 years, was a key milestone in our Olympic journey. And we are delighted to continue this momentum with the launch of India House – a space where we will honour our athletes, celebrate our wins, share our stories, and welcome the world to India.”
She further added, “We truly hope that India House will be one more step towards fulfilling the shared dream of 1.4 billion Indians to bring the Olympic Movement to India!”
PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, also highlighted the significance of India House, saying, “The inaugural India House in partnership with Reliance Foundation will be one of the main attractions for Indian fans and athletes at the Paris Olympics. It will also be a great way for fans and people from other countries to know more about India and what makes it so special. India has proven its mettle as a host of major events and India House will reflect the strides we have made as a sporting nation as well as in the Olympic movement. I would like to thank IOC Member Mrs. Nita Ambani for driving this initiative and India’s Olympic Movement.”
Located in the iconic Parc de la Villette, designated as the “Park of Nations” during the Games, India House will be surrounded by 14 other Hospitality Houses, including those of the Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, and France. India House will offer a variety of experiences for fans to immerse themselves in India’s talent, potential, and ambition. These experiences will range from cultural and artistic displays to sports exhibitions, culinary treats, yoga sessions, handicrafts, music, and dance performances by Indian groups.
India House aims to be a welcoming haven for Indian athletes, celebrating the country’s victories and medal wins. It will serve as a gathering place for visitors to interact with sporting legends and watch key events through engaging activities. Media and fans from all countries will have access to the house, with exclusive Watch Parties of key Indian events organized in partnership with Viacom18, the exclusive media rights holders for the Olympic Games in India.
India House will commemorate 100 years since India first competed at the Olympic Games under the aegis of the IOA in 1920. This milestone symbolizes the evolution of India as a formidable contender in the world of sports and reflects the nation’s unwavering commitment to the Olympic movement and its ambition to host a future Olympic Games.
India House in Paris will serve as a vibrant portal to the rich and diverse tapestry of Indian culture. Its logo, inspired by the intricate design of the jharokha, symbolizes this unique window to India. Rendered in a spectrum of India’s vivid hues, the logo beautifully captures the essence of the nation’s diversity and will be woven into every aspect of the India House Olympic experience in Paris, inviting all to immerse themselves in the Indian cultural mosaic.
Established by the Reliance Foundation as the principal partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), India House represents a collective effort to elevate Indian sports on the global stage. Viacom18, as the exclusive Media Rights Holders for the Paris 2024 Olympics in India, will provide comprehensive coverage of the Games across JioCinema and the Sports18 Network. Their presentation will feature must-watch events for Indian fans, highlight standout Indian athletes, and showcase historic Olympic performances.
