Art meets Olympics: A century of Indian glory

The Olympic Games have long symbolized global unity and athletic excellence. India’s journey began in 1920 when three athletes represented the nation at the Antwerp Summer Olympics. To mark 100 years of Indian participation, JSW Group has commissioned two unique art collaborations.

JSW x Karishma Swali and Chanakya School of Craft
Titled Citius—Altius—Fortius (Stronger, Higher, Faster, Together), this collaboration blends sports and art in three interdisciplinary artworks, meticulously crafted with traditional hand embroidery. These pieces honor key moments in Indian sports history, capturing the vibrant energy of athletics and the grace of craft.

JSW x Sujata Bajaj
This commission celebrates the Olympic legacy and the shared pride of India and France. The centerpiece, featuring India’s Ashoka Chakra within an Olympic circle, is surrounded by metallic tones representing medals. The vibrant colors of the French and Indian flags evoke a global perspective, symbolizing the unity of tradition and modernity.

A Tribute to Olympism and Artistry

The artworks by Karishma Swali and the Chanakya School of Craft highlight pivotal moments like Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin and Sakshi Malik’s bronze in wrestling. Crafted using various needlepoint and weaving techniques, these pieces reflect the fluidity and resilience of their subjects.

Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of JSW Foundation, sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, says: “Working with Karishma and the talented artisans of the Chanakya School of Craft has been a journey of exploring the profound connection between art and sport. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while celebrating its modern achievements. Through this project, we honour the enduring spirit of the Olympics and the heroes who inspire us.”

Karishma Swali, Creative Director, Chanakya International and Chanakya School of Craft, said: “This collaboration required us to explore the parallels between the two worlds of crafts and the Olympics, particularly the shared essence of the human spirit. The dedication, perseverance, and precision inherent in both craft and sport are profound. Neeraj Chopra and Sakshi Malik, with their inspiring achievements, were perfect muses, symbolising triumph and the spirit of breaking new ground.”

This initiative bridges traditional culture and contemporary art, celebrating India’s artistic and athletic heritage and embodying the values of non-violence and compassion central to both institutions.