Dehradun, January 28 (HS): Lakshya Sen, the first Indian male player to make it to the badminton semi-finals of the Olympic Games and pride of Uttarakhand, and Olympic long-distance runner Ankita Dhyani, will play the role of flag bearer of Uttarakhand in the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games. The ceremony is being held in Dehradun today.
Other prominent flag bearers leading their respective states include:
Elavenil Valarivan (Gujarat): 2019 world champion and Olympian 10m air rifle shooter.
Aditi Swami (Maharashtra): 2023 world champion in women’s compound archery.
Om Prakash Mithrawal (Rajasthan): 50m pistol gold medalist at the 2018 World Shooting Championships.
Nisha Kanwar will also be the flag bearer along with Om Prakash from Rajasthan. Nisha suffers from cerebral palsy and has already secured a podium finish in mixed team air pistol at the 2023 World Shooting Para Sport Championships. Her presence reflects the Indian Olympic Association’s aim of inclusivity.
Other stalwarts in the list of flagbearers-
Prateik Walker (Maharashtra): Captain of the Indian men’s kho-kho team.
Tarundeep Rai (Sikkim): Three-time Olympian archer.
Ashi Chouksey (Madhya Pradesh): Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games 10m air rifle team silver medallist.
Anju Namdev (Services): Wushu star.
Ashmita Chaliha (Assam): Badminton player.
Harinderpal Singh Sandhu (Tamil Nadu): Arjuna Award winner and Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games gold medallist.
Dharshini Thirunavakkarasu (Tamil Nadu): Most Valuable Player of Basketball International and National Championships.
Highlights of the ceremony
The parade of athletes, lighting of the Games torch in a hydraulic cauldron and the oath ceremony will be the main attractions of the event.
The cultural presentation will also include an opening program inspired by Shiva Tandava and a performance based on the theme ‘Dhairya, Shaurya and Nischay’. Apart from this, an hour-long musical performance by Uttarakhand band ‘Pandavas’ will enthrall the audience. Popular Dehradun-born singer Jubin Nautiyal will perform after the conclusion of the traditional program.
Organization and closing of the games
Uttarakhand has made extensive preparations for organizing the National Games. The sports competitions will end on February 13, a day before the closing ceremony in Haldwani. Around 450 gold medals are at stake in 35 sports disciplines, in which athletes from across the country will showcase their talent.
A unique confluence of sports and culture
This National Games event will not only promote enthusiasm for sports but will also showcase the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. It is expected to prove to be a memorable experience for the players and spectators.
Hindusthan Samachar
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