Dutch athlete ‘India’ secured a victory in the opening match of the women’s Breaking event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating refugee team member B-girl Talash.
Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, While ‘India’ Makes Unexpected Headlines in Paris 2024
India’s quest for gold at the Paris Olympics 2024 took a surprising turn as Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in the javelin throw final. While the nation celebrated this achievement, another story began to unfold—one that had many thinking India had made history in a different sport. News quickly spread of ‘India’ making headlines in the sport of Breaking, but as the excitement grew, so did the confusion.
B-Girl ‘India’ Shines in Breaking, But She’s from the Netherlands
The athlete making waves wasn’t from India, but rather 18-year-old B-girl India Sardjoe from The Hague, Netherlands. Competing under the stage name ‘India’, she impressed everyone by defeating B-girl Talash, a member of the refugee team, in the opening match of the women’s Breaking event. Grouped with athletes from China, the United States, and Portugal in Group A, B-girl India continued to make her mark on the Olympic stage, adding a unique twist to the narrative surrounding India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
India Sardjoe, unlike most B-girls and B-boys, chooses to use her real name as her stage name. She made history by becoming the first-ever champion in a breaking battle at the Olympics.
From Football to World Champion: The Journey of B-Girl India Sardjoe
Ms. India Sardjoe’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a football enthusiast, India discovered her passion for hip-hop before eventually transitioning into breakdancing. At just 10 years old, she made a name for herself by winning the Dutch national championship in the Under 12 category, showcasing her exceptional talent at a young age. Her rise to the top was rapid—within just six months in 2022, she claimed the titles of Dutch, European, and world champion, proving her prowess on the international stage.
India’s dedication and love for breakdancing have made her a standout figure in the sport, culminating in her historic win at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she became the first-ever Olympic champion in a breaking battle.
Clearing the Confusion: India’s Real Role at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The buzz around India’s participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 led to some confusion, especially in the sport of breaking. Many were thrilled at the thought of India, the country, making history in this new Olympic sport. However, it was soon clarified that the breaking champion was B-girl India Sardjoe from the Netherlands, not an athlete from India. Despite the mix-up, India, as a nation, proudly fielded 117 athletes across various sports, bringing home an impressive total of six medals—five bronze and one silver.
As for the breaking competition, the participating countries included Canada, Japan, France, Lithuania, China, and the United States. The Paris 2024 Olympics saw the debut of breakdancing, a sport that blends athleticism with artistry, and although India did not compete in this event, the nation’s athletes made their mark in other sports, continuing to build on their Olympic legacy.
What is Breaking?
Breaking is an energetic and dynamic dance style that originated in the United States during the 1970s. It emerged from the heart of hip-hop culture in the Bronx, New York, where block parties were the center of community life. Known for its acrobatic moves and intricate footwork, breaking also emphasizes the role of the DJ and MC, who energize the crowd during intense dance battles.
By the 1990s, breaking had spread far beyond the Bronx, becoming a global phenomenon with international competitions that attracted not only hip-hop fans but also a wider audience. Its global appeal and cultural significance led to breaking making its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. The journey to the Olympics began when breaking was first introduced at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where it was met with great enthusiasm. This success paved the way for its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympic program as a new and exciting sport.
Ms. India Sardjoe, one of the standout athletes in this discipline, expressed her excitement about the historic moment, saying, “It’s the first time breaking is at the Olympics, and it’s such a highlight in the breaking world.” Her words capture the significance of this milestone for the breaking community and its growing recognition on the world stage.
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