Paris Olympics: Indian Athletes Face Food Shortage

Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest member of the Indian contingent, has a message for her 116 teammates: “Remember that you, me, and everyone around you are amazing.”

The 14-year-old’s heartfelt note, written in cursive and ending with a smiling emoji, is displayed on the ‘Wall of Positivity’. Across from it, vibrant hand-painted Indian motifs decorate a board. Next door, there's a gaming zone featuring FIFA and Minecraft. For relaxation, there are three sleeping pods, an ice bath machine, and a masseur available on call.

Welcome to Team India's building in the Athletes' Village, where the 117 athletes will stay for the next two weeks. For many, this might be the most exciting fortnight of their lives.

India has around 30 apartments in the seven-storey block, which is brightly decorated with the tricolour on the outside. Directly across is Rafael Nadal’s Spain, with Italy on their right and Novak Djokovic’s Serbia on their left.

Shuttler HS Prannoy was carrying a laundry bag but planned to relax at a quiet spot by the river he found. Boxer Amit Panghal, after an unimpressive lunch, was seen  his support team deliver dal and roti for dinner, as he has been doing for the past few days.

Although the Indian athletes aren’t too amused with the limited options of their choice, the dining area has five different halls for global cuisine, halal food, Asian meals and French food. “There was rajma today but it got over even before we could get there,” says Tanisha.

Grab-and-go counters are set up throughout the village, and a bakery makes over 2,000 baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat every day.

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