Harvinder Singh, Preethi Pal to be India's Flag Bearers at Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Harvinder Singh, Preethi Pal to be India’s Flag Bearers at Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal, who made history by becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics, will be the country’s flag bearers during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games on Sunday.

Harvinder, 33, who had also scripted history by becoming the first Indian archer to clinch a gold at the Paralympics to add to the bronze he won in Tokyo in 2021, said carrying the country’s flag during the closing ceremony was the highest honor he could have dreamed of.

“Winning gold for India has been a dream come true, and now leading our nation as a flag-bearer at the closing ceremony is the highest honor I could imagine. This victory is for everyone who believed in me, and I hope to inspire many more to pursue their dreams,” said the Haryana-based Harvinder, who has impairment in both legs since he was a toddler.

Preethi, 23, who clinched bronze medals in women’s T35 100m and 200m competitions with personal best timings of 14.21 and 30.01 seconds respectively, said she was thrilled with the news.

“It is a great honor to represent India as a flag bearer. This moment is not just about me; it’s about every para-athlete who has pushed their limits to make our nation proud. I am thrilled to be leading our incredible team at the closing ceremony.” Preeti, born in Uttar Pradesh, is a T35 athlete, who suffers from coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

The Indian contingent’s chef de mission Satya Prakash Sangwan said in a statement that the two athletes’ performance will inspire future generations.

“Harvinder Singh’s historic gold in archery and Preethi Pal’s stellar performance in athletics have made them true ambassadors of our nation’s grit and determination.”

“Their role as flag-bearers at the closing ceremony is a symbol of the incredible journey our athletes have undertaken. Their achievements inspire us all, and I am confident they will continue to motivate future generations of para-athletes,” said Sangwan.

India has so far won 26 medals, including six gold and nine silver, which is their best-ever performance at the Paralympics.

Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: India's Flag Bearers to Lead Parade of Nations

Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: India’s Flag Bearers to Lead Parade of Nations

The Paris Olympics 2024 is drawing to a close, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of August 12. This grand event will mark the culmination of the Games, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the success of the host city.

The closing ceremony will be a traditional affair, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. It will feature a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The ceremony will also include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.

For India, the closing ceremony will be a moment of pride as our flag bearers, PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker, lead the Parade of Nations. Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, expressed his delight at being chosen as the flag-bearer, saying, “It is the cherry on the cake. I am going out with a medal, and now I have been chosen to be the flag-bearer. One cannot demand anything more than this.”

The closing ceremony will also witness the transfer of the Olympic flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, marking the transition to the next host city.

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