The 915-strong Indian contingent (655 athletes and 260 officials) that strolled out for the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium here on Saturday shimmered in their traditional outfits designed for the first time by Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It’s creative designers collaborated with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)to create the biodegradable outfits made from 100 per cent recycled fabric that was obtained by melting down wasted plastic PET bottles and converting them into polyester fibre. The men’s outfit comprised a printed kurta, tailored pants and a printed jacket with coconut shell buttons. The women wore a khaki-textured saree and blouse with exclusive Sanganeri block prints.

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