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Paris Olympics: Sharath Kamal leads as India's flag-bearer; Mary Kom named Chef de Mission
Sharath Kamal will carry India's flag at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, while legendary boxer MC Mary Kom is the country's contingent's chef de mission
Mary Kom Chef De Mission; Sharath Kamal Flag-bearer for forthcoming Paris Olympics / Image - X, Sharathkamal1 and MangteC
Seasoned table tennis player Sharath Kamal, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and recipient of the prestigious Khel Ratna award, has been named as the flag bearer for India at the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
In another significant move, Mary Kom, London 2012 bronze medalist, will lead the Indian contingent in Paris as Chef de Mission. Furthermore, former Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan is set to assume the role of deputy Chef de Mission, alongside Gagan Narang, who will lead the Indian shooting team in France, adding to the excitement.
The flag-bearer at the Olympic Games holds a symbolic role, leading the country's delegation during the grand Opening Ceremony parade while proudly displaying the national flag.
Sharat Kamal will be India's 19th flag bearer at the Olympics, following in the footsteps of athlete Purma Banerjee, who was India's first Olympic flag-bearer at Antwerp 1920. Most recently, boxing legend Mary Kom and former Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh jointly held the honor at Tokyo 2020.
Meanwhile, a Chef de Mission assumes the pivotal role of directing a nation's sports delegation at prestigious international events.
At the same time, Gagan Narang, distinguished by his bronze medal triumph in air rifle at London 2012, has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing India's shooting operations, strategically positioned at locations distanced from the primary venues.
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, known for his expertise in treating Indian Olympians like Neeraj Chopra, assumes the role of chief medical officer. He will oversee the health and well-being of Indian athletes during the Games.
India has already secured 19 quotas in shooting for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with potential for more. The upcoming event is poised to witness India's largest-ever shooting contingent in action, surpassing the 15 athletes who competed in Tokyo.
“We are delighted to have such a distinguished and capable team of officials leading our contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” IOA president PT Usha said about the appointments, adding “Their expertise, dedication and passion for sports will undoubtedly inspire our athletes to achieve their best and make the nation proud.”
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