India Olympic Flag Bearers: As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the spotlight turns to the athlete who will carry the Indian flag during the opening ceremony. This honor, bestowed upon only the most esteemed athletes, symbolizes the spirit, pride, and aspirations of the nation. Table tennis legend Sharath Kamal has been chosen as the flag bearer for the upcoming games, continuing a legacy of distinguished individuals who have led India at the Olympics.
Let’s have a look into more details: India Olympic Flag Bearers
Who Will Be India’s Flag Bearer at Paris 2024?
Sharath Kamal, a table tennis icon and a two time Commonwealth Games champion, will have the honor of being India’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Kamal, who is also a Khel Ratna awardee, has been a stalwart in Indian table tennis and will lead the contingent, showcasing the nation’s athletic prowess on the grandest stage.
The Honor of Leading the Nation
Carrying the national flag at the Olympic opening ceremony is one of the highest honors for any athlete, second only to winning an Olympic medal. The flag bearer not only represents the athletes but also embodies the hopes, dreams, and spirit of millions of Indians. Over the years, India’s flag bearers have been pioneers in their sports, role models, and inspirations for future generations.
Why Sharath Kamal?
Sharath Kamal’s selection reflects his exceptional contribution to Indian sports. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he has been a consistent performer on the international stage, earning accolades and respect worldwide. His experience and achievements make him a fitting choice to lead Team India in Paris.
India’s Olympic Flag Bearers Through the Years
The Early Years
- 1920 – Purma Banerjee (Athletics) – The first Indian to carry the flag at the Antwerp Olympics, Banerjee set the precedent for future flag bearers.
- 1932 – Lal Shah Bhokhari (Field Hockey) – The captain of the victorious 1932 Olympic hockey team, Bhokhari led India during a time when hockey was the country’s most dominant sport.
- 1936 – Dhyan Chand (Field Hockey) – Known as the “Hockey Wizard,” Dhyan Chand carried the flag in Berlin, leading India to another gold medal in field hockey.
Post-Independence Era
- 1948 – Talimeren Ao (Football) – Ao was the captain of India’s first football team post-independence, leading the country at the London Olympics.
- 1952 – Balbir Singh Sr. (Field Hockey) – A legendary figure in Indian hockey, Singh carried the flag in Helsinki, leading the team to another gold.
- 1956 – Balbir Singh Sr. (Field Hockey) – Singh repeated the honor in Melbourne, continuing to build India’s legacy in hockey.
Modern Olympics
- 1992 – Shiny Abraham Wilson (Athletics) – The first Indian woman to carry the flag, Wilson represented India in Barcelona with pride.
- 2000 – Leander Paes (Tennis) – After winning a bronze in 1996, Paes carried the flag in Sydney, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian tennis.
- 2012 – Sushil Kumar (Wrestling) – The two-time Olympic medalist in wrestling, Kumar led India in London, underscoring his wrestling prowess.
- 2016 – Abhinav Bindra (Shooting) – India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Bindra carried the flag in Rio, marking his final Olympic appearance.
- 2020 – Mary Kom (Boxing) and Manpreet Singh (Hockey) – The Tokyo Olympics saw India appoint two flag bearers for the first time. Boxing legend Mary Kom and men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh symbolized India’s rich sporting diversity.
Complete List of India’s Flag Bearers
| No. | Year | Athlete | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1920 | Purma Bannerjee | Athletics |
| 2 | 1932 | Lal Shah Bhokhari | Field Hockey |
| 3 | 1936 | Dhyan Chand | Field Hockey |
| 4 | 1948 | Talimeran Ao | Football |
| 5 | 1952 | Balbir Singh Sr. | Field Hockey |
| 6 | 1956 | Balbir Singh Sr. | Field Hockey |
| 7 | 1964 | Gurbachan Singh Randhawa | Athletics |
| 8 | 1972 | Desmond Neville Devine Jones | Boxing |
| 9 | 1984 | Zafar Iqbal | Field Hockey |
| 10 | 1988 | Kartar Singh | Wrestling |
| 11 | 1992 | Shiny Abraham-Wilson | Athletics |
| 12 | 1996 | Pargat Singh | Field Hockey |
| 13 | 2000 | Leander Paes | Tennis |
| 14 | 2004 | Anju Bobby George | Athletics |
| 15 | 2008 | Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore | Shooting |
| 16 | 2012 | Sushil Kumar | Wrestling |
| 17 | 2016 | Abhinav Bindra | Shooting |
| 18 | 2020 | Mary Kom, Manpreet Singh | Boxing, Hockey |
| 19 | 2024 | Sharath Kamal | Table Tennis |
As Sharath Kamal prepares to lead India’s delegation in Paris, he joins a prestigious list of athletes who have had the honor of being the country’s flag bearers. Each of these athletes has left an indelible mark on their sport and has inspired countless others. The role of the flag bearer is more than just ceremonial; it’s a symbol of the strength, resilience, and spirit of Indian athletes on the world stage.
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