India’s Paralympic stars, archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal, will be the nation’s flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This honor is a testament to their remarkable achievements and the inspiration they embody.
Harvinder Singh, who clinched the historic first-ever gold medal for India in archery at the Paralympics, expressed his immense pride in carrying the Indian flag. “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,” he shared. Harvinder, a Haryana native, has overcome challenges since childhood, with an impairment in both legs since toddlerhood.
Similarly, Preethi Pal, a T35 athlete who overcame coordination impairments, made history by winning two bronze medals in the women’s T35 100m and 200m competitions. Preethi, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, expressed her excitement, stating, “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.”
The Indian contingent’s chef de mission, Satya Prakash Sangwan, highlighted the profound impact of Harvinder and Preethi’s achievements. “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 impressive performance at the Paralympics, marked by a record-breaking 26 medals including six gold and nine silver, has showcased the nation’s unwavering spirit and commitment to para-sports. The selection of Harvinder and Preethi as flag bearers is a fitting recognition of their exceptional accomplishments and the impact they have made on the world stage.
