Tokyo Paralympic Games gold medallist javelin thrower Sumit Antil and Asian Paralympic Games silver medallist shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav will be India's flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia said on Friday.
“Antil and Bhagyashree have performed consistently over the years. They will be the flag bearers for India when the Paris Paralympics take to the field,” Jhajharia told PTI.
Haryana's Sumit won the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics with a world record throw of 68.55 metres in the F64 category. He then won a gold medal at last year's Paralympic World Championships and broke his own record at the Asian Paralympics with a throw of 73.29 metres.
Only if India plays will India grow 🇮🇩#ParisParalympics Our players who led India and faced challenges, are today my ministerial colleagues @khadseraksha Attending his farewell ceremony with G.
Huge congratulations to all the players across the country. foto.twitter.com/NDTuObSBKy
– Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 16, 2024
Bhagyashree, who competed in the F34 category, won a silver medal at the Asian Paralympics. He is also a medallist at the FAZZA World Cup.
Earlier on Friday, the Indian contingent was given a grand send-off before representing the country at the Paris Olympics scheduled to begin on August 28 and end on September 8.
PCI and Sports Authority of India (SAI) organised the ceremony for the Indian team of 84 athletes across 12 disciplines including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, weightlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.
“Our Paralympic athletes have an extraordinary ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities. They have shown extraordinary determination and perseverance in their preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement.
“Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a large number of athletes from there will be participating in the Paris Paralympic Games. The government is committed to providing the resources and support they need to reach the highest level.
“As they embark on this important journey, we are united in our support and are confident that they will bring honour to our country. We wish them the best in their efforts to achieve excellence on the world stage,” he said.
India won 19 medals in the last edition in Tokyo.
(With the contribution of the Agency)
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