Olympic bronze medal-winning shooter Sarabjot Singh received a warm welcome upon his arrival at India House, a showcase of India’s culture and hospitality at the Paris Olympics. After winning the bronze medal with Manu Bhaker in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, Singh made his way to India House, where he was greeted by fans and Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, which established the pavilion in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association.
Amidst a flurry of photo opportunities and celebratory moments, Singh expressed his desire for some comforting food, saying, “Please give me something to eat.” The response was swift, and soon a variety of popular Indian snacks, including paani puri, bhel, and dosa, were served to the entire contingent at the athlete’s special lounge within India House. This was a welcome change for athletes who had grown weary of the limited food options at the Olympic village, especially given that the rooms there lacked air conditioning—a measure taken to reduce the carbon footprint.
India House, located in the luxurious Parc de la Villette, about 9 km from the Games village, offers a range of experiences including virtual reality tourism, yoga sessions, Bollywood dance classes, and workshops on henna tattooing and block printing. It also features a diverse menu prepared by chefs from London’s Stoke Park and India, serving Indian culinary favorites.
The pavilion has become a hub for both Indian and international visitors, with yoga sessions and Bollywood dance classes drawing significant interest. Nita Ambani, a member of the International Olympic Committee, highlighted the significance of India House in showcasing the country’s rich culture and hospitality. She emphasized the pavilion’s role in celebrating athletes, sharing stories, and presenting India as a capable host for future major events, including the bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
