For nearly a quarter of a century, Joshna Chinappa has stood like a colossus on the squash court. At 40, Joshna doesn’t seem to have lost her fighting spirit and tenacity.

She knows she is ageing, has tweaked her training module accordingly and has remained one of the finest players in the country a good 24 years after she made her Asian Games debut in Busan in 2002.

Taking part only in the women’s team and mixed doubles (with Velavan Senthilkumar) events at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games, the veteran from Chennai is more than eager to bag another medal.

Seeded third in mixed doubles, the Velavan-Joshna duo will take on the fellow Indian pair of Suraj Chand and Shameena Riaz in the round of 16 after having received a bye in the first. In the women’s team event (Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna and Shameena are her teammates), the No. 3-seeded India has been drawn in Pool C alongside Japan, China and Iran.

On the PSA World Tour, Joshna’s career has overlapped with three generations of elite squash players. Most of her contemporaries — Nicol David (43), Laura Massaro (42), Jenny Duncalf (43), Alison Waters (42) and Annie Au (37) — have long retired, underlining her remarkable longevity.

Placed 73rd in the chart, Joshna is India’s third-highest ranked woman behind the 18-year-old Anahat Singh (World No. 17) and Tanvi Khanna (World No. 71). A winner of 11 PSA titles, she continues to perform at a high level and is determined to make another significant contribution at the Asian Games. Everyone who has followed Joshna’s career knows how meticulous and disciplined she is in her preparation.

Saurav Ghosal, a former men’s top-10 player, perhaps perfectly summed up her longevity. “First and foremost, she really, really loves the game. She’s immensely talented, but she has also worked tirelessly on every aspect of her game to remain at the top for as long as she has. I hope that she comes back from the Asian Games with quite a few gold medals.”

In this interview with The Hindu, the five-time Asian Games medallist reflects on her longevity, debut at the 2002 Asiad, most cherished memories from the continental showpiece, and the motivation that continues to drive her at the highest level. Excerpts:

You are competing at the Asian Games for the seventh time, becoming the first Indian sportsperson to achieve the feat…

I honestly didn’t think I would make a seventh Asian Games appearance. I just focused on my training and tournaments. It definitely feels great to be a part of the Indian team again.

You have won five medals at the Asiad, but a gold remains elusive. What are the chances of clinching the yellow metal?

We have a strong team and yes, it would be great to win another medal. I have always taken my matches one at a time, so I am as prepared as I can be.

Looking back, which was your best Asian Games?

Performance-wise, 2018 would probably be the best I played (singles bronze and silver in women’s team).

How special was it to be on the Asiad stage as a teenager?

As a 15-year-old, it was amazing to see so many superstars of Indian sport in one Village. There is one memory that stands out from my first Games in Busan in 2002. We are usually given our official India clothing and I would obviously wear that to play and train. But in my down time at the Village, I wore a personal T-shirt at the food hall a couple of times, and legendary hockey player Dhanraj Pillay told me that I had to be in my India clothing. It’s something we should always be proud of. It was inspiring for me because it made me aware that I am always representing my country at the Games on and off court… that has stayed with me till now.

You were part of the top 10 in the PSA rankings thrice. When you got there for the first time as a 29-year-old in July 2016, how did you feel?

The top 10 is a special place. It took a lot of effort, especially coming back from my ACL surgery, and years of work with my team.

There were top players like Nour El Sherbini, Raneem El Welily, Nouran Gohar, Camille Serme and Massaro. So how difficult was it to get or stay there?

I definitely played with a bunch of incredibly talented and hardworking women who were greats of the game. Playing with them, beating some of them and making it to the top 10 was one of the best moments of my career.

What did the win over Nicol — an eight-time World champion — in the 2018 Asian Games women’s team semifinals mean to you?

It meant a lot because I have always looked up to her and admired how humble she is as a champion. I really wanted to do it for the team. She is one of the greatest of all-time. Coming in from the disappointment of losing singles and making the team final after beating a strong team like Malaysia was amazing!

You had a on-court rivalry with Dipika Pallikal but shared a bond and went on to bag medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games…

We have had some amazing wins together for India and I will always think of my time competing with her and playing alongside her as inspiring and motivating.

You have won 11 Tour titles. You had to wait 10 years to earn your latest crown, at the Japan Open in 2025. Why did it take so long to end the drought?

I didn’t expect to win in Japan. It felt great to win after ages, especially since I beat girls who were in their early 20s and were ranked way higher than me. The difference now is that I am a lot more relaxed towards competing and I am more performance-oriented than result-focused. Maybe it just helps me enjoy and appreciate these moments more and play better squash.

Every title I have won has come at different times of my life: they all have come after years of training and preparation. Each one has been rewarding.

How have you been able to sustain at this level for nearly quarter of a century? Is it down to mental sharpness, your focus on fitness, outlook towards life or all three?

The main reason I am able to still compete today is my parents. My team, including my coach, strength and conditioning trainer, physios, nutritionist and sports psychologist, has been amazing. The support from my sponsors, the State government, Central government and Squash Rackets Federation of India has been great. It takes a lot to compete at the highest level and it’s only possible because of the amazing people I work with. I do work a lot on the mental and physical side of the game besides recovery. I really appreciate and worship my body, which has been so incredibly supportive.

How much has the sport evolved since you began playing?

So much! At the international level, the game has become so much more physically demanding, faster and skilful. Domestically, we have many players playing, and the level has improved a lot. Seeing so many PSA (World Tour) events happening in India is wonderful because many of our players benefit tremendously by playing in them and watching the top players competing here in India.

Squash will make its debut at the 2028 LA Olympics…

Such exciting times ahead for squash. India has a great chance to do well.

You had knee injuries/surgeries in 2011 and 2023? How challenging was it physically and mentally to come back from those?

I tore my ACL on the right knee in 2011 and was out of the game for a year. I was encouraged to quit playing and get into coaching. I had no financial support but I moved to Bombay (Mumbai) and worked with a really good Egyptian physio and trainer — Ahmed Youssef. When I got back to playing, coach Ritwik Bhattacharya helped me. Some of my best victories came after that surgery because I believed I had a lot more to offer to the game and I really wanted to play for India again.

And in 2023, during the last Asian Games, I found that there was no cartilage in my right knee and it also needed a surgery. But I did the surgery more for quality of life as it was painful to do basic things like driving, getting out of bed comfortably and jogging. My surgeon, Dr. Jagdeesh, who did my ACL surgery, also did my cartilage surgery and told me that I would be able to compete again. So I moved to Bengaluru and worked with Yash Pandey at Peak Performance. I got back on court after five months of rehab. I decided to train and play for a couple more years to see if I could play the Asian Games.

How big a support has your father been and what are your memories of playing with him at Madras Cricket Club?

My dad is the main reason I am here today. He introduced me to the game as he was a squash player himself. I have the best memories of tagging along with him to the MCC and playing squash with him, other MCC members and my friends. He was my coach and motivator for a very long time, especially when I was a junior.

For more than a decade, Alvaro Robles has been a regular presence on the international table tennis circuit. The Spanish left-hander, who has reached a career-high No. 28 in the world, has spent nearly 10 years inside the top 100 and is now a familiar face in the Ultimate Table Tennis, having featured in six of the seven editions.

Robles’ journey, however, began with an unlikely idol: Timo Boll. As a teenager in Spain, he watched videos of the German great and began copying his game before eventually moving to Germany to train alongside some of the world’s best.

That decision, he says, shaped not only his table tennis but also his personality.

Now a father of two, Robles continues to juggle the demands of a professional career with family life while trying to earn another shot at the Olympics.

In an interaction with The Hindu, he spoke about Boll, his move to Germany, the evolution of Spanish table tennis, longevity in the sport, UTT’s impact on Indian table tennis and his desire to feature in another Olympics. Excerpts:

You have spoken about Boll being one of your idols. How did that fascination begin?

I started watching him when I was 16 or 17. He was in his prime and I watched so many of his matches. I took a lot of motivation from his game. I think my style is quite similar to his.

Was there a particular moment that got you hooked to his style?

What I remember most is that when I was 16 or 17, we started getting access to computers and I watched the first videos on YouTube. I was very impressed. I started copying him in practice and tried to take every skill from him as a left-hander. As you said, it was natural for many lefties to copy Boll.

You then moved to Germany. Did you get an opportunity to interact with him?

Not very often, but a few times. I played against him and practised with him. It was a privilege to share those moments with somebody I really admired. I could never beat him — he was so good — but I managed to have some close matches. I was very happy about that.

How much did moving to Germany transform your career?

It had a huge impact on my career and table tennis. I got to know the best players in the world and learnt more about training systems, how other players think and what mentality is required to reach the top.

How difficult was it as a teenager to take that decision?

It was a difficult choice. When you decide to move, you don’t know the consequences or what you will face. But it was a beautiful journey to discover. If I look back, I would do it again. I met people from all around the world… different countries and cultures. I am really happy to have experienced that kind of life.

Was it tough for your family to understand why you wanted to move to Germany?

In Spain, there was not much of a tradition for table tennis. My parents supported me, but I am not sure they knew exactly what kind of future I would have. I am grateful for their support and the freedom they gave me because that allowed me to develop my career, my personality and my character. I discovered so much about myself during that journey.

How much has Spanish table tennis changed over the last two decades?

It has developed a lot. I think we have been very successful in improving the medium level of players. Now we have around 20 players competing at a very similar level. They are not yet at the top level, but many are between 100 and 300 in the world and can compete really well.

The next step is obviously to have more players inside the top 100. But even at the base, we have some amazing under-13, under-15 and under-17 players achieving unbelievable international results.

If a Spanish teenager came to you today saying he wanted to make a career in table tennis, what would you tell him?

First, it is very important to understand the background of each player — where they come from, which club they belong to, how old they are and what they want to achieve. Everyone is individual and different. That is the first thing I would observe before giving any advice. I would like to know the background of each player so I can help them better.

You have spent almost a decade in the world’s top 100. How demanding is that consistency?

It is very demanding. For 10 years I have been inside the top 100, and it costs a lot. In my case, the secret is consistency in the work. I thought about my practice, physical condition and performance every day. I was worried about improving every day and maybe that is why I have remained around the top 50. Now I am No. 67, but before the Olympics, I reached No. 28, which was great for my career. I keep thinking every day about how I can return to my best shape. I hope I can remain at this level for another 10 years.

Players are now extending their careers well into their late 30s and 40s. How has that become possible?

A few things have changed. There are now many opportunities to continue playing WTT events and league matches. There are great leagues where players can earn an income. To perform for many years, there is much more information about taking care of yourself — nutrition, physical preparation and psychology. Earlier, many players didn’t have access to so much information.

Because of this, we feel better with our bodies, play with fewer injuries and continue believing that we can play at 38, 40 or 42. Then it comes down to your mental approach, motivation, circumstances, family and how long you want to keep travelling. Look at Robert Gardos, who is 47 and still performing extremely well. That is impressive, but it is also because he takes great care of himself.

How would you compare the support structure in Spain with countries such as Germany or Sweden, or India?

Support is not only about money. For me, support means having a structure of coaches and people who help develop the sport — physical trainers, analysts, physiotherapists and people guiding players towards their maximum potential.

Sometimes we are confused. Support is not simply ‘I give you money and then you do what you want.’ Support is creating a structure that helps a group reach its potential. That is what is improving now.

How difficult is it to balance travelling for seven months a year with family life?

It is difficult. I have travelled abroad for six or seven months a year, and it is hard when you know your family is at home. My children are young and they miss me.

We try to manage the logistics so they can come to some tournaments. My daughter came to the World Championships in Doha last year and they came to a Contender in Macedonia. That gives me energy because being away from home for so many weeks is difficult. Bringing them with me and having them around gives me motivation to keep trying for my best results.

How has fatherhood changed the approach to your career?

Totally. Even though I thought I would manage it one way, everything changed because the feelings are different. Suddenly, you have to face things you are not prepared for and manage them with your wife and family.

I think that it has been the biggest work I have had to do in recent years — more than table tennis: learning how to handle family life with professional life.

You have been part of UTT for six seasons. How have you seen the league evolve?

Quite well. The idea was to create a league where foreign players could bring experience to Indian table tennis. Now you see how much Indian table tennis has grown. It is crazy.

If you compare 2018 with 2026, you can now see how many Indian players are in the top 100, top 50 and top 40. Youngsters play as if they have 20 years of experience.

Earlier, you didn’t see that. Now there are many of them. That has come from the investment and effort of the federation and the people who wanted to create the league. It is very impressive.

You see youngsters such as Syndrela Das, who was watching from the stands when she was 11 or 12, now playing against players like Manika Batra and even beating them. That comes from a country’s big effort to develop a sport.

What do you enjoy doing away from table tennis?

I love sport. I like playing tennis, padel and football. All my hobbies are related to sport. Going out with my wife when the kids are not with us is also something I enjoy — going on holiday after many months of hard work. That is how I switch off and recharge.

You have won a World championship doubles silver and a European mixed doubles gold. What remains the biggest target?

The European championship gold in mixed doubles is a great achievement because, at the end, it is a gold medal. It is very special to me. But the Olympics is always the biggest stage. Everything I am doing is aimed at getting that experience one more time. I know winning an Olympic medal is something really, really difficult… on another level.

But I try to find my best version and keep the opportunity open. You never know. I will keep fighting to be there and give my best version one more time.

Tejaswin Shankar, the National record holder in high jump and decathlon, loves to break barriers, especially the tougher ones. When he ruled the high jump scene in India, he chose to switch to the much tougher decathlon and put himself through harder tests.

After becoming the first Indian to cross 8,000 points (8,057) in decathlon in the Federation athletics meet at the Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi) in Ranchi, Tejaswin — an Asian Games silver medallist in decathlon and a high jump bronze winner at the Commonwealth Games — was relieved.

What made it possible

Four personal bests (in 100m, long jump, 400m and 1500m) were achieved, courtesy a combination of factors — his sound knowledge of the disciplines, meticulous planning, hard work and support system. “The 8,000-point barrier is officially broken. No more worrying about wind or asterisks. I was very happy to achieve it because I had two chances this season. In heptathlon, I did 5,997, and that stung. Before that, my best was around 5,657. I knew I was in shape for 6,000. When you’re that close, it hurts more,” Tejaswin said.

“Same thing happened three-four months later at my first decathlon event [of the season] in San Angelo. I had an explosive day one again. On the second day, I had breakthroughs in pole vault. Then in 1500m, all I needed was 4:40 to break the 8,000-point mark. I ran 4:51; I had never run that slow. The weather was tough (challenging), but that’s not an excuse. You train to handle any situation. I missed 8,000 by 53 points. I told myself ‘next time, no matter how far behind I am, I’ll cover it’.”

A friendly taunt from his wife Siddhi Hiray motivated Tejaswin. In Ranchi, he targeted a time of 4:37 in 1500m to get to 8,000 points, but he managed to clock 4:29 to reach where he was longing for.

Tejaswin understands his game well. “Everyone’s a different beast. Everyone has their own way. I made 8,000 in one way, someone else made it differently. Some have even scores across the board. Not many do 2.25m in high jump (in decathlon), and no one does 40m in javelin and still scores 8,000. It’s a weird balance. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I play to mine: build a massive score on day one, and then do damage control on day two. As I improve in those events, I can score more.”

Double delight

The 27-year-old, who recorded 2.25m during decathlon to breach the qualifying mark in high jump, felt that he could improve in his pet discipline. He also made the cut in decathlon.

“I think so. It has been a breakthrough year for me in high jump. In my first competition (in January), I did 2.26m. Then, it was 2.23m at Asian Indoors. Here (under pressure with lights going off and the competition stretching for three hours), I did 2.25m. My average is really good. Surprisingly, it’s better than my performance in the last Olympics year when I was fully prepared for high jump. That stings more.”

So, does he wish to compete in both high jump and decathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? “I don’t know the full schedule. I know that decathlon is on July 30 and 31. High jump is also there, but I don’t know the order. Based on what I did here, I think I can do it. But if high jump is scheduled right after decathlon and I’m not running 400m, I might try.”

Support system’s role

Tejaswin underlined the importance of a robust support system — which includes his wife, sister Avantika and strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard — and stressed that it helped him succeed in an arduous event like decathlon.

“With 10 events, it’s a mental battle. You’re competing for two consecutive days, you’re emotionally up and down. Right now, I can sit and talk comfortably, but they know how much grief I’ve given them over the last two days. You need a support system that understands [your situation]. I’m not justifying being mean, but you need people who push you in the right direction, ensure that you in the right headspace and help with everything you need,” Tejaswin said.

“I scored 8,000 points, but without those people — Wayne helping with nutrition between/after/before events, Siddhi yelling splits, my sister shouting ‘Chalo bhaiya’ — it wouldn’t have been possible. Those things distract you in crucial moments because you get caught in your own emotions.

“At such times, you need people to distract you. You prepare all year, but if your mind takes over, it’s a problem. You want muscle memory to happen. They keep telling me that I have it in me. I just have to execute — make that 4.20m bar, run 4:29 to achieve the big goal.”

Looking at the bigger picture

While enjoying his moment of glory in Ranchi, Tejaswin kept an eye on two athletes — sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Vishal T.K., who became the first Indians to go below 10.10 and 45 seconds in 100m and 400m respectively and made it a memorable day for athletics lovers. He looked at the bigger picture of India producing more world-class athletes.

“It’s a Commonwealth Games year, and people delivered their best in tough conditions. What happened with Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir going back to back (lowering the 100m National record in the semifinals), and Gurindervir dominating (the final) was phenomenal. In decathlon, I got 8,000, while N. Thowfeeq was right at 7,530, which would’ve been enough for the bronze medal at the last Commonwealth Games. He’ll learn,” Tejaswin said.

“Now, it’s on me to push the barrier. If I don’t, in two Federation Cups, Thowfeeq will be at 8,000. That’s how sport grows. You always want one or two people to push the envelope. Neeraj Chopra is the best example — he scored 90m. Now there are eight-nine javelin throwers with 80-85-86m.

“There are good things happening. It’s about harnessing this talent and taking it to the next level. The good athletes get opportunities and extra support. This year, I was supposed to compete in one or two competitions as per rules, but I was allowed to do decathlon. Such exemptions are necessary.

“They didn’t push me to compete in an event. That would have been a waste of energy. I know that I have to do a trial at the Federation meet, but doing one high jump meet just to hit the standard is too much. Others also got exemptions. I am happy that things have progressed,” Tejaswin explained.

He signed off with a lot of optimism as the country looks forward to putting up better performances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year as well as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Tejaswin Shankar, the National record holder in high jump and decathlon, loves to break barriers, especially the tougher ones. When he ruled the high jump scene in India, he chose to switch to the much tougher decathlon and put himself through harder tests.

After becoming the first Indian to cross 8,000 points (8,057) in decathlon in the Federation athletics meet at the Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi) in Ranchi, Tejaswin — an Asian Games silver medallist in decathlon and a high jump bronze winner at the Commonwealth Games — was relieved.

What made it possible

Four personal bests (in 100m, long jump, 400m and 1500m) were achieved, courtesy a combination of factors — his sound knowledge of the disciplines, meticulous planning, hard work and support system. “The 8,000-point barrier is officially broken. No more worrying about wind or asterisks. I was very happy to achieve it because I had two chances this season. In heptathlon, I did 5,997, and that stung. Before that, my best was around 5,657. I knew I was in shape for 6,000. When you’re that close, it hurts more,” Tejaswin said.

“Same thing happened three-four months later at my first decathlon event [of the season] in San Angelo. I had an explosive day one again. On the second day, I had breakthroughs in pole vault. Then in 1500m, all I needed was 4:40 to break the 8,000-point mark. I ran 4:51; I had never run that slow. The weather was tough (challenging), but that’s not an excuse. You train to handle any situation. I missed 8,000 by 53 points. I told myself ‘next time, no matter how far behind I am, I’ll cover it’.”

A friendly taunt from his wife Siddhi Hiray motivated Tejaswin. In Ranchi, he targeted a time of 4:37 in 1500m to get to 8,000 points, but he managed to clock 4:29 to reach where he was longing for.

Tejaswin understands his game well. “Everyone’s a different beast. Everyone has their own way. I made 8,000 in one way, someone else made it differently. Some have even scores across the board. Not many do 2.25m in high jump (in decathlon), and no one does 40m in javelin and still scores 8,000. It’s a weird balance. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I play to mine: build a massive score on day one, and then do damage control on day two. As I improve in those events, I can score more.”

Double delight

The 27-year-old, who recorded 2.25m during decathlon to breach the qualifying mark in high jump, felt that he could improve in his pet discipline. He also made the cut in decathlon.

“I think so. It has been a breakthrough year for me in high jump. In my first competition (in January), I did 2.26m. Then, it was 2.23m at Asian Indoors. Here (under pressure with lights going off and the competition stretching for three hours), I did 2.25m. My average is really good. Surprisingly, it’s better than my performance in the last Olympics year when I was fully prepared for high jump. That stings more.”

So, does he wish to compete in both high jump and decathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? “I don’t know the full schedule. I know that decathlon is on July 30 and 31. High jump is also there, but I don’t know the order. Based on what I did here, I think I can do it. But if high jump is scheduled right after decathlon and I’m not running 400m, I might try.”

Support system’s role

Tejaswin underlined the importance of a robust support system — which includes his wife, sister Avantika and strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard — and stressed that it helped him succeed in an arduous event like decathlon.

“With 10 events, it’s a mental battle. You’re competing for two consecutive days, you’re emotionally up and down. Right now, I can sit and talk comfortably, but they know how much grief I’ve given them over the last two days. You need a support system that understands [your situation]. I’m not justifying being mean, but you need people who push you in the right direction, ensure that you in the right headspace and help with everything you need,” Tejaswin said.

“I scored 8,000 points, but without those people — Wayne helping with nutrition between/after/before events, Siddhi yelling splits, my sister shouting ‘Chalo bhaiya’ — it wouldn’t have been possible. Those things distract you in crucial moments because you get caught in your own emotions.

“At such times, you need people to distract you. You prepare all year, but if your mind takes over, it’s a problem. You want muscle memory to happen. They keep telling me that I have it in me. I just have to execute — make that 4.20m bar, run 4:29 to achieve the big goal.”

Looking at the bigger picture

While enjoying his moment of glory in Ranchi, Tejaswin kept an eye on two athletes — sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Vishal T.K., who became the first Indians to go below 10.10 and 45 seconds in 100m and 400m respectively and made it a memorable day for athletics lovers. He looked at the bigger picture of India producing more world-class athletes.

“It’s a Commonwealth Games year, and people delivered their best in tough conditions. What happened with Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir going back to back (lowering the 100m National record in the semifinals), and Gurindervir dominating (the final) was phenomenal. In decathlon, I got 8,000, while N. Thowfeeq was right at 7,530, which would’ve been enough for the bronze medal at the last Commonwealth Games. He’ll learn,” Tejaswin said.

“Now, it’s on me to push the barrier. If I don’t, in two Federation Cups, Thowfeeq will be at 8,000. That’s how sport grows. You always want one or two people to push the envelope. Neeraj Chopra is the best example — he scored 90m. Now there are eight-nine javelin throwers with 80-85-86m.

“There are good things happening. It’s about harnessing this talent and taking it to the next level. The good athletes get opportunities and extra support. This year, I was supposed to compete in one or two competitions as per rules, but I was allowed to do decathlon. Such exemptions are necessary.

“They didn’t push me to compete in an event. That would have been a waste of energy. I know that I have to do a trial at the Federation meet, but doing one high jump meet just to hit the standard is too much. Others also got exemptions. I am happy that things have progressed,” Tejaswin explained.

He signed off with a lot of optimism as the country looks forward to putting up better performances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year as well as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

World 10K Bengaluru run event ambassador Blanka Vlasic, a double Olympic medalist and two-time World Champion in high jump, during a press conference ahead of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru run 2026, in Bengaluru on April 23, 2026.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

A photograph taken on March 17, 2023 shows rubbish piled on a street in Paris’ 5th district, as rubbish collectors strike against pension reforms, leaving many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Paris rubbish collectors could strike over the summer, a major French union said on May 2, raising the spectre of piles of stinking trash on the streets during the Olympic Games.

Walkouts could start in May and continue from July 1 to September 8, the General Confederation of Labour(CGT) union branch representing binmen warned, a period that includes the Games, which run from July 26 to August 11.

Refuse workers in the Paris region are demanding an extra 400 euros ($430) per month and a one-off 1,900-euro bonus for those working during the Olympics.

Interview | Chennai sailor Nethra Kumanan qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024

“We’re going to be giving it our all and we want that taken into consideration,” Nabil Latreche, a member of the CGT-FTDNEEA union, told AFP.

“The municipal police are getting a bonus and we have the same employer. We’re going to have an excessive workload too with the 15 million tourists that are expected,” Mr. Latreche said.

Paris city hall had discussed offering graduated bonuses for rubbish collectors, ranging from nothing up to 1,200 euros, he added.

The mayor’s office told AFP an April announcement of bonuses of between 600 and 1,900 euros for workers contributing to the Olympics effort would extend to refuse collection as well.

The CGT walked out of talks on learning the level of payouts would be dependent on how much extra work people had to take on, city hall added.

A meeting between Paris deputy mayors and the CGT is slated for next week.

Some rubbish collectors had had to cancel holidays as there were no additional staff recruited, Mr. Latreche said.

Binmen already walked off the job on April 24 but received no concessions, the trade unionist told AFP.

In March last year, a three-week strike by rubbish collectors against President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular pensions reform saw more than 10,000 tonnes of waste piled in Paris streets at its height.

Images of the heaps of trash, some mounting several metres high, were seen around the world.

How are Olympic host cities selected?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly declared India’s intention to host the Olympic Games, preferably in 2036, during the opening ceremony of the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai on October 14.

Only three Asian countries have ever hosted the Olympics — China, South Korea and Japan, with Japan hosting the games twice in 1964 and 2020.

With India throwing its hat into the ring, there are at least five confirmed countries interested in hosting the 2036 Games and nine others reportedly in various stages of preparations and discussions internally and with the IOC.

If India does manage to outbid the competition, it will be the first big-ticket multi-discipline sporting event in the country since the controversy-marred Commonwealth Games in 2010.

How is a host country selected?

Read more: How Olympic cities are selected

Reporting: Uthra Ganesan

Production & Voiceover: K. Rajashree Das