Geothermal rooms, hi-tech recovery space for Paris-bound athletes

After it descends on Paris next month for the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet, India's Olympic contingent will be accommodated in apartments equipped with geothermal energy to beat the heat, and have a state-of-the-art enclosure dedicated to the athletes' recovery, in first-of-their-kind initiatives.

- VISHAL MENON

Ahead of the marquee event that begins on July 26, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has put forward a specific request with the organisers: "Please ensure all our rooms are equipped with fans."

In the midst of an impending heat wave in France, this is India's way of ensuring its athletes stay cool, while also aligning with Paris' sustainability drive and environmental efforts.

"If the Olympics movement is on sustainability, then why should India go against it?" Raghuram Iyer, the chief executive officer of IOA, tells Business Standard.

"The organisers have been saying the Paris Games will be the most environment-friendly, and advocating against the use of air-conditioners," Iyer elaborates. "We believe that our athletes have good tolerance levels.

Having said that, we are taking all the necessary precautions." This is unlike the contingents from the United States, Germany, Australia and Great Britain, which are coming with portable air-conditioners.

July and August can become unusually warm in France, something former long jumper and Khel Ratna winner Anju Bobby George attests to.