Others

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian Swimmer Srihari Nataraj Unboxes Official KitThe highly anticipated Summer Olympics are set to commence in Paris this year, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for July 26th. However, some events will take place prior to this date, igniting excitement among athletes and fans alike.Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj, who made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, has shared a glimpse of his official kit for the upcoming Paris Games. In a video posted on social media, Nataraj unboxes the contents of two suitcases adorned with the Puma logo.The video showcases a range of items, including ceremonial attire, casual outfits, uniforms, footwear, and accessories. Nataraj meticulously displays each piece, providing viewers with an exclusive look at the official gear that will be worn by Indian athletes during the Games.The video has garnered significant attention on social media, with over 1.7 lakh views and 13,000 likes. Instagram users have expressed their admiration for the kit, with many offering well wishes to Nataraj and the Indian Olympic team."Looking good," commented one user. "Best wishes for the Olympics," added another. Several others echoed these sentiments, expressing their excitement for the upcoming event.Nataraj's unboxing video serves as a reminder of the immense preparation and anticipation that goes into participating in the Olympics. It also highlights the pride and excitement that athletes feel when representing their country on the world stage.In addition to Nataraj, Dhinidhi Desinghu will also represent India in swimming at the Paris Olympics. Both athletes will be hoping to make a mark in their respective events and bring glory to their nation.

Indian Swimming Faces Setback Ahead of Paris OlympicsThree years ago, Indian swimming celebrated a historic moment when Sajan Prakash became the first Indian to achieve the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) for the Tokyo Games. However, as the Paris Olympics approach, the Indian swimming contingent finds itself in a disappointing position.No Indian swimmer has managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics through the OQT or the Olympic Consideration Timing (OCT). This has forced India to rely on Universality Places, which are allocated to underrepresented National Olympic Committees. As a result, Srihari Nataraj (100m backstroke) and Dhinidhi Desinghu (200m freestyle) will represent India in Paris.Sajan Prakash, who made history in Tokyo, has been sidelined by injuries and failed to qualify for Paris. He acknowledges that his planning and training were not optimal. The modified criteria for Universality places, which limit participation to two Olympics and an age limit of 30, also worked against him.Srihari Nataraj, who also achieved the OQT for Tokyo, expressed disappointment at not qualifying directly for Paris. Despite strong performances, he narrowly missed the 'A' cut. Coach Nihar Ameen believes that Srihari may need to reduce weight to improve his speed.Indian swimming coaches attribute the lack of depth in the sport to early burnout. Young swimmers often peak early due to pressure to perform in national meets. This leads to injuries and a high dropout rate before the age of 17.To address this issue, coaches emphasize the need for a robust coaches' education program to raise the level of coaching. They believe that it will take time to develop a sustainable pipeline of talented swimmers who can consistently achieve Olympic qualification.