The India House for the Paris Olympics was inaugurated by Nita Ambani, showcasing Indian culture and traditions in an effort to promote the country’s bid to host the 2036 Games. The event was a partnership between the Indian Olympic Association and the Reliance Foundation, which Ambani chairs. The house offers a variety of activities such as virtual reality tourism, cricket matches, workshops on block printing, henna tattooing, Bollywood dance, and a lounge for athletes. It also features a wide range of Indian cuisine, including biryani, mutton curry, curd rice, and desserts. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the colorful and joyful atmosphere of India House, emphasizing the unity it brings to the world.
The presence of Infantino at the India House event was aimed at encouraging the development of soccer in India, a country with men’s and women’s national teams that rank 124th and 67th in the FIFA standings, respectively. With 112 athletes participating in 16 sports at the Olympics, India House will also host performances, including an opening night concert by Bollywood playback singer Shaan. The event will feature a session with ex-cricketer and coach Rahul Dravid on the future of cricket at the Olympics, as men’s and women’s cricket will be added to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Ambani, alongside her husband Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, was present at the event, following their son Anant Ambani’s wedding two weeks prior, which was considered the wedding of the year. India House aims to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of India through its architecture, artistic motifs, and cultural offerings. The temporary house serves as a hub for promoting Indian culture and traditions to a global audience, with a focus on building support for India’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The event is part of a larger effort to celebrate India’s rich heritage and showcase its potential as a future host of the Olympics.
The hospitality house at the Paris Olympics is part of a tradition where different countries and brands set up temporary spaces to showcase their culture and offerings. India House provides a unique experience for visitors, with a focus on promoting Indian art, cuisine, and entertainment. The event serves as a platform for cultural exchange and unity, bringing together people from different parts of the world to celebrate India’s rich traditions and heritage. Through a range of activities and performances, India House aims to create a memorable experience for all attendees, highlighting the diversity and beauty of India’s culture.
