Tanmay Garg and Shantanu Barve, two 23-year-old Indian expats living in Paris, found themselves immersed in the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite their contrasting interests in sports, they shared a common desire to witness the spectacle firsthand.
Garg, an investment banker from New Delhi, had little knowledge of badminton but was eager to experience the Olympic atmosphere. Barve, on the other hand, was a passionate badminton enthusiast from Pune, eager to witness the sport’s finest athletes in action.
Together, they secured tickets to watch India’s Lakshya Sen compete in the badminton semifinals. As they waited for Sen’s match, Barve patiently explained the intricacies of badminton to Garg, covering everything from scoring to court dimensions.
By the time Sen took to the court against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, Garg had transformed into a badminton expert. He eagerly shared his newfound knowledge with Barve, even interjecting with cricket analogies to illustrate the game’s dynamics.
Barve was thrilled to witness Sen’s remarkable performance, having purchased the tickets months in advance without knowing the lineup. He was equally impressed by Spain’s Carolina Marin, despite her unfortunate injury. Garg, too, was captivated by the intensity of the competition and the proximity of an Indian athlete to an Olympic medal.
Their Olympic experience extended beyond badminton. They marveled at the architectural grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the Champs-Élysées, and sampled the delectable pastries at local patisseries.
As they bid farewell to the Olympics, Garg and Barve reflected on their unforgettable journey. They had not only witnessed sporting excellence but had also forged a deeper bond through their shared experience.
