According to PTI, the air conditioners were dispatched following consultations with the Indian Olympic Association and the French Embassy in Paris. The athletes have expressed their gratitude to the Indian Sports Ministry for this supportive measure.
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Track and field athlete Priyanka Goswami spoke to ANI, expressing her thanks to the Indian government for the air conditioners provided to the Indian team in Paris.
Goswami said, “Without the ACs, it was very uncomfortable in the village. The heat was intense, the fan wasn’t enough, and we had to keep the windows open at night. Since the air conditioners arrived, it has been much better. I am grateful to our Sports Minister for looking after us. The athletes are very pleased with this provision,” she told PTI.
Temperatures have risen sharply in both Paris and Chateauroux, the primary venues for the Olympic Games. During the men’s 50m rifle 3-positions event, all eight finalists, including India’s bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale, were visibly sweating at the Chateauroux shooting range.
Before the Games began, several teams had voiced concerns about the weather in Paris after organizers announced plans to avoid air conditioning to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
In response, the Games organizing committee introduced an underfloor cooling system and built-in insulation to manage temperatures at the Games Village. However, the USA team opted to bring their own portable air conditioners.
“The decision to provide the air conditioners was made early on Friday, and the costs are being covered by the Ministry,” a source from the Ministry told PTI.
“The AC units are plug-and-play and are already in use by the athletes. This should ensure a more comfortable stay and better rest, which is essential for optimal performance,” the source added.
