Ace table tennis player Sharath Kamal will be the Indian team’s flagbearer for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The announcement was made by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday.
World No. 88 Kamal’s Achievements
Ranked World No. 88, Kamal has won the national table tennis championship a record 10 times. He has also claimed 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG), including seven golds, and has earned two medals at the Asian Games. The legendary player is a three-time bronze medalist at the World Championships.
MC Mary Kom Appointed Chef de Mission
Joining Kamal in the spotlight is MC Mary Kom, who has been named as the chef de mission for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. Mary Kom is the first female boxer in history to have captured six world titles.
Mary Kom’s Illustrious Career
The five-time Asian champion Mary Kom was also the first female boxer from India to win a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games. She won a bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympic Games, leaving no record or title untouched. Mary Kom introduced herself to the world at the age of 18 at the inaugural world meet in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Gagan Narang to Head Shooting Village Operations
Gagan Narang, a bronze medalist in the 10m air rifle event at the 2012 London Olympics, has been appointed to head the shooting village operations for the Paris Olympics.
Shooting’s Importance for India
Shooting, which earned India its first individual Olympic medal in Beijing 2008, has not produced an Indian medalist since London 2012.
Dates of the Paris Olympics
The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, France.
Significance of the Appointments
The appointments of Sharath Kamal, MC Mary Kom, and Gagan Narang highlight India’s commitment to excellence in sports and its pursuit of success at the upcoming Paris Olympics. These accomplished athletes bring invaluable experience, expertise, and inspiration to the Indian contingent, setting the stage for a memorable performance on the global stage.