2024-04-04 19:54:17
New Delhi: Veteran table tennis player and Commonwealth Games champion Sharath Kamal will be India’s flag bearer at this year’s Paris Olympic Games. Veteran boxer MC Mary Kom was appointed the head of the country’s contingent (chef de mission). Announcing this, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a statement that the 41-year-old table tennis player ‘symbolises the unity and spirit of our team when we compete at the Olympics.’
Sharat Kamal responded
India’s men’s and women’s teams qualified for the Olympics for the first time in the table tennis team event on the basis of their ranking. Sharat Kamal said, ‘The last three weeks have been incredible. From not being assured of a place in the Olympics, to the performance in Singapore last week, to jumping 54 places in the rankings and now being appointed as the flag bearer. It’s a huge honor for me and it’s like a fairytale even though this is going to be my fifth and final Olympics. Most table tennis players in the world do not get this honour. Just got a call from IOA and I couldn’t believe it.
Shiva Keshavan, who competed in the Winter Olympics along with six-time world champion and 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Mary Kom, has been appointed as the deputy chief of the Indian contingent. The IOA said, ‘Mary Kom’s dedication to sports and inspiring journey makes her a natural choice to guide our athletes at the Olympics. Keshavan has immense experience and knowledge of working with team management.
Gagan Narang also has responsibility
Olympic bronze medalist shooter Gagan Narang will lead the Indian team at the shooting range. The shooting range at the Olympics is far away from the main venue. India will send its largest team in shooting to the Paris Olympics as the country has secured 19 quota places so far. “These appointments have been made considering the experience, expertise and leadership skills that will contribute significantly to the success of our players on the global stage,” the statement said.
Commenting on the appointments, IOA President PT Usha said, ‘We are very pleased to have such a distinguished and capable team of officials to lead our contingent at the Paris Olympic Games. His expertise, dedication and passion for sports will definitely inspire our players to perform at their best and make the country proud.