The everyday Olympians
Updated On: 05 August, 2024 06:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
Sir PM and Lady Flora discuss the ongoing Olympics in Paris, India’s underwhelming show so far, and how Bombaywallahs possess skill sets to become Olympians, thanks to their survival skills
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That’s quite a sporty makeover,” Lady Flora remarked at Sir PM who was wearing suspenders, sturdy walking footwear and a half-sleeved shirt. He beamed, “I’ve been bitten by the Olympics bug. I went for a light jog before coming here. I automatically began to feel a bit more active…Watching these Games brought back memories...”
Lady Flora was curious about the “memories” part of his statement. “Pheroze, can you elaborate what you mean by the memories? Did you actually play sport?” Sir PM guffawed, “No sports for me! I was referring to the excitement when Bombay witnessed the departure of six Olympians, the first ever proper Indian contingent to the Antwerp Games in 1920. They set sail from here, aboard the SS Mantua on June 5, 1920, trained in England, and headed to Antwerp from there. Aapro Dorabji Tata must be credited for not only creating the Indian Olympic Association but also for having convinced the then Governor General of Bombay George Lloyd to secure permission for India to participate in the Olympics. Many Indian rulers also helped with funding in those formative years.”
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