The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris officially commenced on July 26, 2024, with a controversial opening ceremony highlighting the French capital’s grandeur. The event featured nearly 7,000 athletes parading past iconic landmarks and along the Seine River, despite torrential rain that did little to dampen the celebratory spirit of thousands of attendees.
Among the participating nations, India made a notable entrance, led by ace badminton player PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis star Achantha Sharath Kamal as the flag-bearers. The Indian contingent, consisting of 78 athletes and officials, showcased their traditional attire designed by fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani’s brand TASVA, co-owned with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Group. The athletes were dressed in garments reflecting India’s tricolour flag—women wore identical saris, while men were clad in kurta Bundi outfits featuring ikat patterns and Banarasi brocade.
However, the Indian team’s attire quickly became a subject of intense criticism. Social media users expressed disappointment with the designs, labelling them as “mediocre” and “disrespectful” to the athletes. The controversy centred around the perceived poor quality of the uniforms, sparking widespread discontent among netizens.
Dr. Pooja Tripathi was among the vocal critics, describing the attire as “horrendous” and suggesting that Tarun Tahiliani, along with the Ministry of Textiles officials who approved the designs, should face charges of treason.
Comparisons were drawn between the Olympic attire and Tahiliani’s recent creations, including dresses worn by celebrities at high-profile events. Some users mocked the uniforms as reminiscent of wedding hospitality attire, with one remarking that the designs appeared to have been hastily assembled.
Several social media users took to criticising the Indian team’s uniforms, with comments such as:
- “Indian team’s official attire looks inspired from the Ambani Wedding hospitality team. Bravo, Tarun Tahiliani.”
- “The uniform blends seamlessly into the sea of monotony, with a design as uninspired as a rainy Monday.”
- “I can design better costumes than this Tarun Tahiliani. Surely some Sarkari babu (bureaucrat) hired him.”
- “Tarun Tahiliani has caused an international embarrassment by designing such an outfit for our Olympics team.”
Critics also highlighted the irony of using traditional Indian textiles, such as Banarasi, in what they perceived as poorly executed designs. Dr Nandita Iyer described the attire as “a disgrace to the rich weaving culture and history of India,” and questioned the quality of the garments compared to those available on the streets of Mumbai.
Tarun Tahiliani and the ministry of textiles bureaucrat who okayed this horrendous ceremonial saree should be tried for treason !
What a wasted opportunity! pic.twitter.com/pinvFVqJqd
— Dr Pooja Tripathi (@Pooja_Tripathii) July 27, 2024
Despite the criticism, it is important to note that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), an autonomous body led by PT Usha, is responsible for decisions regarding athlete attire. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports provides support but does not interfere directly in such matters. The IOA’s focus remains on exceeding past performances and securing medals at the Games.
A user, wrote, “Hello Tarun Tahiliani! I have seen better Sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs.200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’. Cheap polyester like fabric, Ikat PRINT (!!!), tricolors thrown together with no imagination. Did you outsource it to an intern or come up with it in the last 3 minutes before the deadline? Such a disgrace to the rich weaving culture and history of India.”
Hello Tarun Tahiliani!
I have seen better Sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs.200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’.
Cheap polyester like fabric, Ikat PRINT (!!!), tricolors thrown together with no imagination
Did you outsource it to an intern or come up with it… https://t.co/aVkXGmg80K— Dr Nandita Iyer (@saffrontrail) July 27, 2024
Another user said, “Definitely, the designer should be called out and given the laurels of great work and bashing for mediocrity!! Glory walks hand in hand, so the right thing to point out to the designer.”
Additionally, some users speculated whether Tarun Tahiliani’s designs were an opportunity to promote his private brand, noting similarities between the saree borders and the TASVA logo. However, the Indian government is not permitted to interfere in the operations of national sports bodies, as such actions could lead to international suspensions, as seen with FIFA and ICC in recent years.
On a different note, Tarun Tahiliani had previously supported anti-CAA protests, which fueled further speculation about his motives. His participation in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) was well-documented, and some critics have wondered if his Olympic designs were influenced by these political stances.
Notably, in 2019, Tarun Tahiliani participated in the protest organised at New Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia against providing citizenship to marginalised people from India’s three Islamic neighbours. Inafct, a popular social media handle “mithun” even asked if these Olympic outfits were his way of taking revenge for the implantation of CAA in the country.
The nationwide anti-CAA-NRC protests reportedly “greatly moved” the designer who claimed, “I mostly work with Muslims in my factories. We work as brothers and that’s the only sentiment that has to be nurtured. This country has survived the partition, the Sikh riots and Babri Masjid’s demolition and we need to co-exist, be progressive and focus on more important issues that will build this country’s future.”
India has sent its second-largest delegation to the Paris Olympics, with 117 athletes competing in 16 disciplines. However, only 68 athletes attended the opening ceremony due to ongoing preparations for their events. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) prioritised athletes’ competition schedules over the ceremony, aiming to balance preparation with participation in the festivities.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will see athletes competing across 32 sports in 329 events, culminating on August 11, 2024.
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