Sumit Antil, Bhagyashree Jadhav announced as India’s flagbearers for Paris Paralympics opening ceremony

Tokyo Paralympics gold medal winner javelin thrower Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medalist shotputter Bhagyashree Jadhav will be India’s flagbearers for the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Devendra Jhajharia said on Friday.

“Antil and Bhagyashree have been consistent performers over the years. They will be Indian flag-bearers at the Paris Paralympics’ athletes march past,” Jhajharia told PTI.

Haryana’s Sumit won the Tokyo Paralympics gold medal with a world record throw of 68.55 metres in the F64 category. He then went on to win a gold at the World Para Championships last year and shattered his own record at the Asian Para Games with a throw of 73.29m.

खेलेगा इंडिया तभी तो खिलेगा इंडिया 🇮🇳#ParisParalympics में भारत का नेतृत्व करने वाले हमारे वो खिलाड़ी जिन्होंने चुनौतियों को भी चुनौती दी है, आज मेरी साथी मंत्री @khadseraksha जी के साथ उनके विदाई समारोह में शामिल हुआ।

सभी खिलाड़ियों को पूरे देश की तरफ से हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। pic.twitter.com/NDTuObSBKy

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 16, 2024

Bhagyashree, who competes in the F34 category, won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games. She is also a medal winner at the FAZZA World Cup.

Earlier on Friday, the Indian contingent was given a grand send-off before they go on to represent the country in the Paris Games slated to begin at august 28 and go on till September 8.

The PCI and Sports Authority of India (SAI) hosted the ceremony for the Indian team comprising 84 athletes across 12 disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.

“Our para athletes have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities. They have shown remarkable determination and perseverance in their preparation for the Paris Paralympics 2024,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a release.

“Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a significant number from there will be going to the Paris Paralympics. The government is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level.

“As they embark on this important journey, we stand united in our support and are confident they will bring honour to our nation. We wish them the very best as they strive for excellence on the global stage,” he said.

India had a haul of 19 medals in the last edition in Tokyo.

(With Agency inputs)

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