Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal have been selected as India's flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympics on Sunday. Pal made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics.
Harvinder, 33, expressed his immense pride and honor in being chosen to carry India's flag. He had previously made history by becoming the first Indian archer to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, adding to his bronze medal from the 2021 Tokyo Games.
“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 the Haryana-based Harvinder, as quoted by Sports Star.
Preethi, 23, was thrilled to be selected as a flag bearer after winning bronze medals in the women's T35 100m and 200m competitions with personal best times.
Satya Prakash Sangwan, the Indian contingent's chef de mission, praised the athletes' performance and expressed confidence that it would inspire future generations.
“Harvinder Singh’s historic gold in archery and Preethi 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 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,” said Sangwan.
India's performance at the Paris Paralympics has been exceptional, with a total of 26 medals, including six gold and nine silver. This marks their best-ever performance at the Paralympic Games.
