New Delhi, India, September 7, 2023: The ceremonial and competition outfits of the Indian contingent bound for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China were unveiled at the official send-off ceremony on Tuesday, September 5.
Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur were present at the ceremony. Indian hockey stars Savita Punia and PR Sreejesh wore the khaki ceremonial outfits while shooter Manu Bhaker and shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor modelled the competition and training outfits.
Conceived and uniquely designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the ceremonial dress includes a khaki textured saree for women and a khaki kutra for men.
India will be represented by 634 athletes at the September 23 to October 8 Hangzhou Games.
“India has achieved a lot in the last six months in sports and all of it has made every Indian proud. All of these have been heartening, but this is just the beginning,” Thakur was quoted by Sportstar.
Among the many recent achievements was the men’s javelin gold medal at the World Athletics Championships by Neeraj Chopra, men’s hockey winning the Asian Champions Trophy, four gold medals in women’s boxing at the World Championships and wrestler Antim Panghal’s gold at the Under-20 World Championships.
P.T. Usha said she expects every member of the Indian contingent to make their best effort. “We have waited long for the 2022 Asian Games and are delighted that India is sending its largest contingent of 634 athletes. We believe that this squad has the potential to get India its best-ever medal haul as well,” she said.
With 33 athletes, rowing has the largest squad next to athletics. Meanwhile, a 15-member Esports team will also be at the Asian Games as the event makes its official medal debut.
India won 70 medals, including 16 gold, at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.
