New Delhi: Veteran desk tennis participant and reigning CWG champion Sharath Kamal can be India’s flag bearer on the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games whereas legendary boxer MC Mary Kom was on Thursday appointed the chef de mission of the nation’s contingent.
Sharath Kamal symbolises “the unity and spirit of our contingent as they compete on the Olympic stage”, the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) stated in a press release whereas making the announcement.
The IOA has not but named a feminine flag bearer however sources stated that the sports activities physique is not going to “compromise” on gender equality and can choose a lady athlete later since many quotas for the Video games, beginning July 26, are but to be stuffed.
“There is no such thing as a change in coverage. We’ll look forward to official affirmation of {qualifications} for girls athletes earlier than saying the title. There will not be any compromise on that,” stated the IOA supply.
The IOC, in 2020, had modified its protocol to permit one feminine and and one male athlete of every NOC to bear the flag collectively in the course of the opening ceremony of the Summer time Video games.
Mary Kom and former hockey skipper Manpreet Singh had been India’s flag bearers on the 2020 Tokyo Video games. Hockey participant Harmanpreet Singh and boxer Lovlina Borgohain had been India’s flag bearers on the Hangzhou Asian Video games, final yr.
In the meantime, Sharath Kamal expressed his elation at getting chosen for the honour.
“It has been an unbelievable three weeks. From not even certain of Olympic berth to taking part in the way in which I did in Singapore final week, leaping 54 spots within the rankings to being named India’s flag bearer,” Kamal informed PTI.
“It’s the greatest honour and fairytale stuff contemplating it will be my fifth and final Olympics. Additionally, not many TT gamers have gotten that honour, globally. I simply obtained a name from IOA and I couldn’t imagine it.” Kamal was India’s flag bearer on the closing ceremony of 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Video games, the place he received three gold medals.
Not too long ago, the Indian males’s and ladies’s workforce had certified for the workforce occasions of Olympics for the primary time by the advantage of their rankings.
Six-time World Champion Mary Kom, bronze medallist on the 2012 London Olympics, can be assisted by luger Shiva Keshavan, who has been appointed the deputy chef de mission.
“Mary Kom’s unparalleled dedication to sports activities and galvanizing journey makes her a pure option to information and mentor our athletes on the Olympics,” IOA stated.
“Keshavan, a former Olympian in luge, brings a wealth of expertise and information to assist the workforce’s administration and coordination efforts.” Olympic bronze medallist in rifle capturing Gagan Narang will oversee India’s operations on the capturing vary, which could be very removed from the principle venues.
India can be sending its largest-ever capturing contingent to Paris with 19 quotas already in pocket.
“His (Narang’s) meticulous method and understanding of athletes’ wants will guarantee a conducive setting for our shooters,” the assertion added.
“These appointments symbolize a mix of expertise, experience, and management that may contribute considerably to the success of our athletes on the worldwide stage, the assertion added.
Commenting on the appointments, IOA president PT Usha, stated, “We’re delighted to have such a distinguished and succesful workforce of officers main our contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games. Their experience, dedication and keenness for sports activities will undoubtedly encourage our athletes to attain their finest and make the nation proud.”
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