'Tricolour Pride & Comfort Over Fashion': Olympian Sharath Kamal Responds To Criticism Of Indian Attires At Paris 2024 Olympics

Legendary Indian table tennis player and Padma Shri awardee Achanta Sharath Kamal paid a visit to the Free Press Journal's office this week, where he engaged in a lively conversation with a group of journalists. The seasoned athlete, who recently retired from international play, spoke candidly about a range of topics, from life post-retirement to his experiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he served as one of India’s most respected sporting ambassadors.

Sharath, a four-time Olympian and one of the most passionate players in Indian table tennis history, remains a revered figure in the sporting community. Known for his composure both on and off the court, his visit brought valuable insights into India’s sporting culture and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Olympic participation.

Outfits at Paris Olympics 2024

One of the questions during the session was the controversy surrounding the Indian contingent’s ceremonial outfits at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The traditional look, featuring ivory-colored kurtas paired with Nehru jackets had drawn significant criticism online, with many netizens calling the designs outdated, uninspired, and lacking international appeal.

Some fashion commentators argued the outfits failed to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Indian culture, while others felt they didn’t do justice to the grandeur of the global stage.

When asked about the backlash, Sharath offered a grounded perspective. “I’m not much of a fashion enthusiast, of course,” he smiled, “but if I had to comment, I’d say what really mattered was how comfortable the kurtas and jackets felt. And the tricolour embedded in the jacket made us feel proud. And I remember it was very hot in Paris and it was raining on the day of the opening ceremony. So in such drastic change of weathers, the costumes designed for us were breathable and kept us comfortable. At the end of the day, that sense of national pride is what counts most.”

Impact of his insight

Sharath’s response offered a reminder that for athletes, comfort and symbolism often outweigh style critiques. It also is a lesson for netizens who sit in a corner of their room and come down to criticise their country's pride at an international platform. As Tarun Tahiliani, the designer who designed the costumes said, the outfits were made for Indian athletes and not for couture. As someone who has worn the Indian flag with distinction for over two decades, his words added a much-needed layer of context to the debate that'd sparked during opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

As Sharath embarks on a new chapter beyond competitive sport, his visit served as a reminder of the values that endure, humility, pride, and a deep love for the country, stitched into every thread of the tricolour.