Paris 2024 Olympics: Only 1 In 2 Indians Show Interest

As India’s 117-member strong Olympic Games contingent gets ready to represent the country in the opening ceremony later on Friday, a survey found a split in interest among Indians regarding the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The Ipsos survey found that 53 per cent of Indians are eager to watch the event, while 47 per cent remain uninterested. Interest levels in the games are notably high in other Asian countries, particularly China (86 per cent), Thailand (77 per cent), Indonesia (75 per cent) and the Philippines (71 per cent).

The Paris Olympic Games, set to take place from 26^th July to August 11th, 2024. Among the various sports, football/soccer stands out as the most anticipated, with 28 per cent of global citizens and urban Indians expressing keen interest. Indian viewers also showed enthusiasm for sports such as badminton (18 per cent), volleyball (14 per cent), tennis (14 per cent), cycling (13 per cent), boxing (11 per cent), and basketball (11 per cent). Globally, other favored sports include athletics (26 per cent), gymnastics (24 per cent), aquatics (18 per cent) and volleyball (17 per cent).

About 76 per cent of Indians support government funding for Olympic athletes and there is strong backing (76 per cent) for holding global events like the Olympics despite their environmental impact. Similarly, 74 per cent of respondents believe the Paris Olympics should proceed regardless of global economic challenges and conflicts. Furthermore, 76 per cent of urban Indians think the Olympics inspire future generations to participate in sports.

“The stickiness is not as profound as it is for cricket. But the good news is that India is sending a large contingent of 171 athletes to Paris, with 72 athletes making their Olympics debut and there is a huge hope around them to potentially get a haul of medallions,” said Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India.

The survey also found that maximum 75 per cent believe the event is an excellent opportunity for global unity and will bring about national cohesion. About 75 per cent feel proud seeing their Olympic team, although the same percentage thinks there is excessive nationalism during the games.         

Badminton ace PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist and table tennis legend Sharath Kamal, who will be making his fifth Olympic appearance, will serve as India’s flag-bearers at the Paris 2024 Parade of Nations (opening ceremony) on Friday.

India’s first chance for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be in the mixed team air rifle events on 27 July at the National Shooting Centre in Chateauroux. The competing pairs will be Sandeep Singh with Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta with Ramita Jindal. Additionally, Manu Bhaker will participate in two individual pistol events as well as the 10m air pistol mixed team competition.

The Olympics will run from 27 July to 11 August, with India trying to cross its previous tally of seven medals (one gold, two silver and four bronze) from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.