Neeraj Chopra named India’s flag-bearer
Neeraj Chopra will be extra motivated to give a good performance at the Asian Games in Jakarta, for the simple reason that he has been chosen as the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony on August 18.
In a departure from the past, when the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) used to dilly-dally till a day — or even hours — before the start of the continental games, the announcement was made a week in advance. It seems Chopra was the unanimous choice given that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he is a sure shot medal hope.Speaking to PTI from his training base in Finland, Chopra, who will reach Jakarta on the eve of the opening ceremony, said, “I am thrilled to be chosen as flag-bearer. It is a huge honour to be leading the Indian contingent in such a big event. I didn’t know this as I was not told earlier about this. This is going to be my first and it’s happening at the Asian Games!” he added. On a day when the IOA gave a warm send-off to the Indian contingent, there were not many recognisable faces as most of the elite players are either competing or training abroad.Only four members of the Indian men’s hockey squad — Sardar Singh, captain Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas — were present along with the women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and the 15-year-old pistol shooting sensation Anish Bhanwala, who became the youngest shooter from the country to clinch a Commonwealth Games.
Many of those whose names were announced for felicitation, the Asian Games would probably be their maiden international assignment.
BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY: RATHORE
The IOA will send a gigantic 800plus member squad, 572 of them athletes who will compete in 36 disciplines. And Union Sports Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, had a word of caution for contingent: “Behave responsibly”. “It’s a matter of great pride… you are representing the country and you have earned this privilege. Whatever you do, you are representing a billion people. When you take part in the Games and when you stay in the Games Village, you will lose your individual identity and your identity there is just one name that is ‘India’”, said Rathore.
Flouting the ‘No-needle’ policy at the Commonwealth Games had led to a huge embarrassment for the Indian contingent and the officials and athletes were lucky to have escaped with a censure.