Harvinder Singh and Preeti Pal to Lead India’s Contingent at Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preeti Pal, the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics, will be flag bearers during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games. Their performances have been hailed as inspirational for future generations of Indian para-athletes.

Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and trailblazing sprinter Preeti Pal, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure two medals at the Paralympics, are set to lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers during the Paris Games' closing ceremony on Sunday.

Harvinder Singh, aged 33, became the first Indian archer to win gold at the Paralympics and added to his accolades with a bronze in Tokyo 2021. He expressed immense pride in carrying the nation's flag, describing it as the pinnacle of his dreams and a powerful motivator for aspiring athletes.

Preeti Pal, 23, who clinched bronze in the women's T35 100m and 200m categories, echoed similar sentiments, sharing her excitement and highlighting that this honor is a testament to the dedication of every para-athlete. Born in Uttar Pradesh, Preeti's journey against coordination impairments is a story of resilience.

The Indian contingent's chef de mission, Satya Prakash Sangwan, lauded the achievements of Singh and Pal, emphasizing their roles as symbols of determination and inspiration for future generations. India's current tally of 26 medals, including six gold and nine silver, marks their best performance at the Paralympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)