Indian badminton superstar PV Sindhu and table tennis ace Sharath Kamal will be honored to carry the tricolor at the upcoming Paris Olympics opening ceremony. This announcement comes alongside the appointment of Olympic medalist Gagan Narang as the Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, becomes the first Indian woman to hold the prestigious flagbearer role at two consecutive Summer Games. This is a fitting tribute to her exceptional career, which includes a silver medal in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president, PT Usha, revealed that Narang's elevation from the deputy CDM position became an automatic choice after Mary Kom's resignation. "I was looking for an Olympic medallist to lead our contingent and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom," PT Usha said in a press release.
Sharath Kamal, a veteran of the table tennis world and a 13-time Commonwealth Games medalist, will join Sindhu in leading the Indian team. This recognition is a testament to his dedication and long-standing contribution to Indian table tennis.
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PT Usha also confirmed that table tennis ace Sharath Kamal will be joining badminton superstar Sindhu as India's flag-bearers for the Paris Games. “I am also delighted to announce that India's only woman to win two Olympic medals, PV Sindhu, as the female flag-bearer alongside table tennis ace Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony,” she added.
Gagan Narang, a bronze medalist in shooting at the London Olympics 2012, steps up to the role of Chef-de-Mission following Mary Kom's resignation. Narang's experience as an Olympian makes him a strong choice to lead and support India's athletes in Paris.
The selection of two flagbearers reflects the International Olympic Committee's recent change in protocol, allowing for joint male and female representation. This is the second consecutive Olympics where India will have this honor, with Mary Kom and Manpreet Singh leading the team in Tokyo.
With the largest-ever shooting contingent featuring 21 athletes qualified, India is poised for a strong showing in Paris. IOA President PT Usha expressed confidence in the team's preparation, stating their belief in achieving the best results possible.
This announcement marks a significant moment for Indian sports, as the nation gears up to showcase its talent and determination on the world stage.
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