IOA to hand athletes tri-coloured lapel pins for Hangzhou Asian Games

The pin represents India's unity in diversity and will remind the world of the country's vibrant culture and heritage.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has designed lapel pins that the national athletes can wear with pride during the Asian Games in Hangzhou and exchange them with athletes from other nations. The pins will be a reminder of the passion and perseverance of the Indian sports fraternity on the international stage. 

"Sport is not just about competition but also about camaraderie, respect and understanding," Indian Olympic Association, President Dr. PT Usha said. "The pins are a small but significant way of showcasing our rich culture and heritage and sharing it with the world. We are confident that our athletes will wear them with pride and spread the spirit of India wherever they go." 

The IOA President said the pins are not just symbols but also tokens of friendship and mutual admiration. “Each member of the Indian contingent will be provided a number of these pins which they can exchange with athletes and officials of other nations. It is a time-honoured tradition and a wonderful way to foster relationships between nations beyond the competitions,” she said. 

Badminton ace PV Sindhu believes that it will make the members of the contingent feel proud not only when wearing a pin but also when exchanging it with others. "There have been times when we have run short of any pins to give away. I am so glad that IOA has been so thoughtful in redesigning the pin and giving all of us a number of pins to exchange with others," she said. 

Highlighting the essence of India, the pins have been crafted to encompass the core elements of the IOA emblem. It proudly displays the tri colour of the National Flag, representing unity in diversity, an inherent strength of our nation and reminding the world of India's vibrant culture and heritage. 

The pin also displays the internationally recognised symbol of the Olympics, the five intertwined rings, which stand for the unity of the inhabited continents and the coming together of athletes in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. The pins will create lasting memories for athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts across the world, enhancing India's presence and impact. 

The IOA is the apex sports body responsible for sending contingents to the Olympics, Asian Games, and other major international events. Dedicated to promoting the Olympic spirit and values in India, IOA is committed to ensuring the best facilities, training, and support for its athletes.