Manu Bhaker will lead India as the flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 11. The 23-year-old shooter, who won two medals at the Games, shared the news on social media and expressed her gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“It is an honour and privilege to be named as India’s flag-bearer for the Closing Ceremony,” Bhaker said. “Leading the outstanding Indian contingent with the tricolour in my hands, with millions around the world watching, is a humbling opportunity. I am grateful to the IOA for considering me worthy of this honour and look forward to raising the Indian flag with immense pride. Jai Hind!”
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, wrestler Bajrang Punia served as India’s flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony. For the Opening Ceremony in Paris, PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal represented India during the Parade of Nations.
Manu Bhaker, who made her second Olympic appearance in Paris, secured India’s first shooting medals since the London 2012 Games. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting and is the third Indian overall—after Sushil Kumar and PV Sindhu—to win two Olympic medals. Bhaker won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed event with Sarabjot Singh. She also finished fourth in the 25m pistol event.
All of India’s medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics so far have been from the shooting team, with Swapnil Kusale also earning a bronze in the men’s 50m three-position rifle event.
Leave a Reply