“Hard To Believe”: Sharath Kamal On Being Named India’s Flagbearer For Paris Olympics

Veteran desk tennis participant A Sharath Kamal on Friday stated he was “fairly stunned” to be named India's flag-bearer on the Paris Olympics forward of the likes of Tokyo Video games gold-winner Neeraj Chopra and known as the honour a recognition of his years of onerous work. The Indian Olympic Affiliation's (IOA) resolution to nominate him because the flag-bearer for the Paris Video games had stirred an argument, with the Tamil Nadu Athletics Affiliation (TNAA) expressing robust dissatisfaction.

“Sure, at first I used to be fairly stunned. After I was the flag bearer on the Commonwealth Video games, I felt very completely happy and proud,” 41-year-old Kamal stated whereas speaking to on-line media.

He stated, “When it was first introduced it was a bit onerous to imagine as a result of there are folks like Neeraj Chopra who’ve gained medals on the Olympics or are anticipated to win… past all of them, they considered me.”

Kamal, who might be collaborating in his sixth Olympics, known as it the results of his onerous work over time.

“I perceive the rationale behind it as a result of the timing of the occasion is completely different for athletes. For me personally, getting there as a five-time Olympian, actually recognises the onerous work I’ve put in over time not only for myself however for the desk tennis fraternity as properly.” Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, created historical past on the Tokyo Video games three years in the past when he grew to become the primary Indian to win a observe and area medal on the mega-event.

Kamal has a report 10 nationwide titles to his identify and has gained 13 medals, together with seven gold, on the Commonwealth Video games.

The dialogue was organised by the Sports activities Authority of India (SAI) in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) and the Desk Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).

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