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Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been bestowed the honor of being India's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old markswoman etched her name in Indian sporting history by securing two bronze medals in Paris.Bhaker's remarkable journey began with a bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She broke India's 12-year medal drought in shooting, following Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang's podium finishes in London 2012.Not content with one medal, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games."Manu has been chosen to be the flag bearer. She has done exceptionally well and deserves the honor," an IOA official confirmed to PTI.Bhaker expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "There are many in the contingent who are more deserving, but it will be a real honor if I am asked to."The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has yet to finalize the male flag bearer, with the decision expected in the coming days.Besides Bhaker's two medals, Swapnil Kushale added a third bronze for India in the men's 50m Rifle Three Positions. Ace shuttler Lakshya Sen will compete for bronze on Monday, while the Indian men's hockey team advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Great Britain on penalties.Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will commence his javelin throw campaign on August 6.In the opening ceremony, star shuttler PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal led the Indian contingent as flag bearers in the Parade of Nations.

Veteran table tennis player A Sharath Kamal expressed surprise and pride at being named India's flagbearer at the Paris Olympics, recognizing his years of dedication to the sport. The decision sparked controversy, with the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association expressing dissatisfaction.Kamal, 41, will become the first table tennis player to carry the Indian flag at the Olympics. He has competed in five previous Games and holds a record 10 national titles. At the Commonwealth Games, he has won 13 medals, including seven gold."I was pretty much surprised at first," Kamal said. "When I was the flagbearer at the Commonwealth Games, there was immense joy and so much pride. When it was announced first, it was a bit hard to believe because there are people like Neeraj Chopra who have won medals at the Olympics or who are expected to win... Beyond all of them, they thought about me."Kamal believes his selection reflects the recognition of his hard work and dedication to table tennis. "I do understand the thing behind that because of the timing of events for athletes. For me personally, getting there as a five-time Olympian, it really recognizes the toil I have done over the years not just for myself but also for the table tennis fraternity."Reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won India's first track and field medal at the Tokyo Games, was widely expected to be named flagbearer. However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) opted for Kamal, citing his experience and contributions to Indian sports.The decision has sparked debate, with some questioning whether a non-Olympic medalist should be given the honor. However, Kamal's supporters argue that his longevity, consistency, and dedication to his sport make him a worthy choice.