Paris 2024: Manu Bhaker Ecstatic on Finding Out She Will be India’s Flag Bearer at Closing

Indian shooting prodigy Manu Bhaker, who scripted history at the Paris Olympics as she became the first India to claim two medals in a single edition of the Summer Games, couldn’t contain her delight when she found out that she had been given the privilege of serving as the flag bearer for the national contingent at the closing ceremony of the 33rd edition of the sporting extravaganza.

She popped up in joy at the prospect of being handed the honour as she said, ‘Oh my god, yes, I would love that!” when quizzed about the same.

She also took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to post, “It is an honour and privilege to be named as India’s flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony of the 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. 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!”

“I am extremely overwhelmed by the support and wishes that have been coming in. Winning 2 bronze medals in a single edition of the Olympics is a dream come true. This achievement is not just mine but belongs to everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of everyone. Competing and performing on the biggest stage for my country is a moment of immense pride and joy. Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey and for standing by me through every step. Your encouragement means the world to me! A bittersweet end to my campaign in Paris but happy to contribute to #TeamINDIA’s success. Jai Hind!”, Bhaker posted on Instagram.

Bhaker opened India’s medal tally at the Paris Games as she claimed the bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol event and doubled it when she picked up yet another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the 10m Mixed Team Air Pistol event.

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She nearly tripled her tally in her favoured 25m Air Pistol event but had to settle for a fourth-place finish, thereby concluding her Olympic campaign with a record two medals.

Bhaker’s accomplishments in France are given a further coat of sheen considering the heartbreaking outing she suffered during the Tokyo Olympics, where she missed out on a medal following a pistol malfunction.

The 22-year-old, however, banished any ghosts of Olympics past to shoot her way to glory and got the Indian contingent’s first medal to get the ball rolling.

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She also brought an end to the 12-year drought the shooting contingent had to endure before her triumph in Paris and acted as an impetus for the Indian shooting contingent to add more medals.

“IOA President Dr P.T. Usha and Chef de Mission Gagan Narang are happy to announce that pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will be a flag bearer at the closing ceremony. The choice of the male flag bearer will be made at a later stage,” the Indian Olympic Association said.

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