It’s the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza. And a few of the 216 nations have begun preparing aggressively on all fronts so that the Olympics don’t just remain a sporting event but also has the right dash of glamour to it. Countries like the United States, Great Britain and Italy have gone ahead and roped in world-famous designers to style sporting costumes for their respective contingents.

Rajvardhan Singh Rathore (C), India’s flag bearer parades in front of his delegation during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony on August 8, 2008 at the National Stadium in Beijing. The Indian contingent’s attire was tailored by darzis from Delhi’s Malaviya Nagar and Chandni Chowk. It was reported that Sania Mirza (second from left) had to resort to sportswear because of an ill-fitting sari blouse. Pic/AFP