Harvinder Singh and Preethi Pal to be India’s flag bearers for Paris Paralympics 2024 closing ceremony
Gold medalist Harvinder Singh and two-time bronze medalist Preethi Pal have been selected as India’s flag bearers at the Paris Paralympics 2024 closing ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on September 8.
The flag bearers were announced by India’s Chef de mission Satya Prakash Sangwan, who said in an announcement on Friday (as per PTI):
“Harvinder Singh’s historic gold in Archery and Preeti 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 [Paralympics] 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.”
Both Harvinder and Preethi have etched their names in Indian Paralympic history with their performances in Paris.
Harvinder Singh, who clinched a gold medal in the men’s recurve event, became the first Indian para-archer to win a Paralympic gold medal. Meanwhile, para-sprinter Preethi Pal, who won bronze medals at the women’s T35 200m and 100m women’s T35 events, became the first Indian female track and field athlete to win two medals in one edition of the Paralympic Games.
“Highest honor I could imagine” – Harvinder Singh on being appointed India's flag bearer for Paris Paralympics 2024 closing ceremony
The announcement of the Paris Paralympics 2024 closing ceremony flag bearers has brought a wave of joy over both Harvinder Singh and Preethi Pal, who have already made their nation proud with their incredible performances at the quadrennial event.
Harvinder, who also has a bronze medal from the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, said (as per PTI):
“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.”
The sentiment was echoed by the 23-year-old Preethi, who has already established herself as the top female para-athlete in the track and field events for India. Speaking to the media, she said (as per PTI):
“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.”
The Paris Paralympics 2024 closing ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 8, from 8:30 pm CEST onwards (12:00 am IST).