In a momentous occasion for Indian sports, gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preeti Pal have been chosen to carry the Indian flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. This selection not only honors their outstanding achievements but also symbolizes the growing prominence of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.
Harvinder Singh: A Golden Arrow in Indian Archery
Harvinder Singh, at 33 years old, has etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history. His journey to becoming a flag bearer is marked by unprecedented achievements:
- First Indian archer to win Paralympic gold: Singh’s performance at the Paris Games solidified his status as a trailblazer in Indian archery.
- Bronze medalist in Tokyo 2021: His success in Paris builds upon the foundation laid during the previous Paralympics, where he secured India’s first-ever archery medal.
Reflecting on this honour, Singh expressed profound gratitude, stating, “Carrying the country’s flag during the closing ceremony is the highest honour I could have dreamed of.” His words underscore the significance of this moment not just for him personally, but for the entire para-sports community in India.
Preeti Pal: Breaking Barriers in Track and Field
Preeti Pal‘s selection as a flag bearer is equally historic, highlighting her remarkable achievements:
- First Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals: Pal’s performance in Paris has set a new benchmark for female para-athletes in the country.
- T35 athlete: Competing in the T35 category, Pal has overcome significant physical challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
Understanding T35 Classification:
Athletes in the T35 category face coordination impairments such as:
- Hypertonia: Increased muscle tension and reduced ability to stretch
- Ataxia: Lack of coordination of muscle movements
- Athetosis: Involuntary muscle movements
Pal’s success despite these challenges serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals facing similar obstacles.
A New Era for Indian Paralympics
The selection of Singh and Pal as flag bearers represents more than just individual achievements. It signifies a broader shift in the landscape of para-sports in India:
- Growing recognition: The decision to have two flag bearers highlights the increasing depth of talent in Indian para-sports.
- Inspiration for future generations: As noted by Satya Prakash Sangwan, the Indian contingent’s chef de mission, the performances of Singh and Pal are expected to motivate and inspire upcoming para-athletes.