New Delhi: Gold medalist para-archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal have been named India’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic 2024 on Sunday.
Harvinder created history by becoming the first Indian archer to win a gold at the Paralympics, adding to the bronze he bagged in Tokyo in 2021. After being named the flag-bearer Harvinder Singh said that it is the highest honour he could imagine.
“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 honour I could imagine. This victory is for everyone who believed in me, and I hope to inspire many more to pursue their dreams” said Harvinder, who suffered physical impairment in both legs since childhood.
Preethi Pal also created history after becoming the first Indian to win a track medal in the Paralympics 2024. She won a bronze medal in the women’s 100m – T35 category and then added another bronze in the women’s 200m – T35 event. Preethi said it is a great honour for her to represent India as a flag bearer and she is thrilled to lead the incredible team in the closing ceremony.
“It is a great honour 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” Preethi said.
Praveen Kumar’s gold took India’s medal tally to 26
Earlier today, Praveen Kumar won a gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 event. Praveen cleared the bar set at 2.08m and won his second straight Paralympic medal. He also won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.
The Indian Paralympic contingent has won a record 26 medals in the ongoing edition of the Paralympics with 6 gold, 9 silver and 11 bronze and is currently placed at the 14th position in the medal tally.
Gold medallist archer Harvinder Singh and two-time bronze medallist winner Preeti Pal will be India’s flag bearers during the closing ceremony of the Paralympics Games on Sunday. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
