In response to soaring temperatures and inadequate cooling at the Paris Olympics, India’s sports ministry has supplied 40 portable air conditioners to the Indian athletes. This move aims to ensure their comfort during the games. The air conditioners were dispatched following discussions with the Indian Olympic Association and the French Embassy.
Temperatures making Athletes uncomfortable at Paris Olympics
Temperatures have soared in both Paris and Chateauroux, the two main Olympic Games venues. In the men’s 50m rifle 3-positions event, all eight finalists, including India’s bronze-winner Swapnil Kusale, were seen sweating profusely at the Chateauroux shooting range. There are reports that temperatures have touched an unbearable 40 degrees Celsius on some days in Paris.
Even before the Games started, several contingents had expressed their concerns about the weather in Paris after the organizers said that they would shun air conditioning to cut the carbon footprint of the event. Instead, the Games organizing committee unveiled an underfloor cooling mechanism and built-in insulation to keep the temperatures down at the Games Village.
However, unconvinced about the measures, the USA contingent travelled with portable conditioners. Reports have suggested that other countries have also resorted to buying portable ACs to manage the heat. India has now joined the bandwagon. The decision was taken early on Friday, and the cost is being funded by the Ministry.
The ACs are plug-and-play units, and athletes have already started using them. It is expected that with this, they will have a more comfortable stay and get better rest, which is much needed for a good performance.
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