Veteran table tennis player and defending CWG champion Sharath Kamal will be the Indian flag bearer at the Paris Olympics 2024, while legendary boxer MC Mary Kom was on Thursday named the head of the Indian delegation. Announcing the news, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a statement that the 41-year-old table tennis player symbolizes “the unity and spirit of our team as we compete on the Olympic stage”. “It’s been an incredible three weeks. From not even being sure of qualifying for the Olympics, to performing in Singapore last week and jumping 54 places in the rankings, to being named India’s flag-bearer,” Kamal told PTI.
“Considering that this will be my fifth and last Olympics, it’s the biggest honor and fairytale stuff. And, globally, not many TT athletes get this honor. I just got a call from the IOA , I just can’t believe it.” Kamal was the Indian flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Recently, the Indian men’s and women’s teams qualified for the Olympic team event for the first time based on their rankings.
Six-time world champion and London 2012 bronze medalist Mary Kom will be assisted by bobsledder Shiva Keshavan, who has been appointed deputy captain of the delegation.
“Mary Kom’s unparalleled dedication to sport and inspiring journey make her a natural choice to coach and mentor our athletes at the Olympics,” the IOA said.
“Keshavan is a former Olympic luge athlete and he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to support the team’s management and coordination efforts.” Olympic rifle shooting bronze medalist Gagan Narang will oversee the Indian shooting range Operations, the shooting range is located far away from the main arena.
India will send its largest-ever firing squad to Paris and has been allocated 19 quotas.
“His (Narang’s) meticulous attitude and understanding of the needs of athletes will ensure a conducive environment for our shooters,” the statement added.
“These appointments represent a fusion of experience, expertise and leadership that will significantly contribute to the success of our athletes on the global stage,” the statement added.
Commenting on the appointments, IOC President PT Usha said: “We are delighted to have such an outstanding and capable team of officials leading our squad for Paris 2024. Their expertise, dedication and commitment to sport The enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire our athletes to achieve their best and make the country proud.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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