The table tennis player Sharath Kamal has been announced as India’s flag-bearer at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 at the opening ceremony. The Khel Ratna awardee is a two time Commonwealth Games and this will be his first appearance in the event.
Who are flag-bearers?
The flag-bearer at the Olympic Games serves as a symbolic leader, leading their country’s delegation during the grand Opening Ceremony parade. They proudly carry and display their nation’s flag throughout the procession.
Sharath Kamal to be 19th flag bearer
Sharath will be the 19th flag bearer for India in the Olympics. India’s first Olympic flag-bearer was athlete Purma Banerjee in Antwerp 1920; at Tokyo 2020, boxing icon Mary Kom and former captain of the Indian men’s hockey team Manpreet Singh shared the privilege.
It’s interesting to note that Mary Kom, who last appeared at her final Summer Games in Tokyo in 2012, will lead the Indian delegation to Paris as Chef de Mission. Shiva Keshavan, a Winter Olympian and Luger, has been named the deputy Chef de Mission.
Latest News
Who will be ‘Chef de Mission’ for India?
Gagan Narang, who clinched a bronze medal in air rifle at London 2012, has been assigned to manage India’s activities at the shooting range, located away from the primary venues.
