India’s exceptional Olympic performer, Manu Bhaker, will have the honor of carrying the nation’s flag at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, according to reliable reports. IOC sources have confirmed that Bhaker, who secured two bronze medals at the Games, will serve as India’s female flag bearer during the momentous closing ceremony scheduled for August 11. The identity of the male flag bearer is yet to be finalized, as per the news agency ANI.
Bhaker, an esteemed Indian athlete, displayed her remarkable talent across three events during the Olympics, earning a bronze medal in women’s individual 10m air pistol discipline. Additionally, she secured another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Despite competing fiercely in the 25m pistol category, Bhaker narrowly missed out on capturing a medal. After an impressive performance during series 6 and 7, she faced a shoot-off with Hungarian athlete Veronica Major, ultimately falling short of what could have been an extraordinary achievement as the first Indian individual Olympian to secure a historic treble.
Nevertheless, Bhaker’s remarkable feat of winning two medals in a single edition of the Olympics distinguishes her as India’s first athlete to achieve such an extraordinary accomplishment since the country gained independence. Her outstanding achievement places Bhaker in the esteemed company of renowned Indian athletes such as PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar, who have also earned multiple Olympic medals for their exceptional performances.
PV Sindhu, who graced the opening ceremony as India’s flag bearer alongside Sharath Kamal, secured a silver medal in badminton women’s singles during the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Similarly, wrestler Sushil Kumar earned a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Games and achieved a silver medal during the 2012 London Olympics.
As the Tokyo Olympics progress, Sindhu’s journey unfortunately came to an end in the Round of 16, while Sharath Kamal faced elimination in the men’s singles table tennis event. However, Kamal still has an opportunity to redeem himself in the upcoming men’s team event, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 6.
The selection of Manu Bhaker as India’s flag bearer at the Paris Olympics’ closing ceremony reflects her remarkable achievements and the nation’s immense pride in her exceptional Olympic journey. As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, her presence and symbolic representation will inspire and resonate with athletes and sports enthusiasts across India, highlighting the country’s commitment to excellence and determination to shine brightly on the world stage.