“Humbling opportunity” – Manu Bhaker ‘honoured’ to be India’s flagbearer in closing ceremony for Paris Olympics
Shooter Manu Bhaker was honored and privileged after being named as India’s flagbearer for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old, who won two medals from the three events she participated in during the showpiece event, was delighted with the humbling opportunity.
Manu is only one of the two athletes from India to win more than one medal in a single edition of the Olympics. Earlier, an official of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), confirmed Manu carrying India’s flag after her stupendous showing in Paris.
“It is an honour and privilege to be named as India’s flagbearer for the closing Paris Olympics. Leading the outstanding Indian contingent with the tricolour in my hands with millions around the world watching is a truly humbling opportunity and one that I will cherish forever,” Manu wrote in a post on her social media account.
“I am grateful to the IOA for considering me worthy of this honour, and I look forward to raising the Indian flag with immense pride. Jai Hind,” Manu added.
How did Manu Bhaker perform in Paris Olympics?
Manu Bhaker helped India end their 12-year-old drought for an Olympic medal in shooting. She started her campaign by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m Air Pistol. Thereafter, she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh and bagged the bronze medal in the team event.
She was also on the verge of becoming the first Indian to win three medals in a single Olympic edition. However, she could not achieve the feat after finishing fourth in the women’s 25m Pistol event. In the third-place playoff match, she lost to Veronika Major of Hungary.
After making India proud, Manu garnered accolades from every nook and corner of the country. She joined Gagan Narang, Abhinav Bindra and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in the list of Indians to have won medals in shooting at the Olympics.