Flag bearer at Paris Olympics: paddler Sharath Kamal 'surprised'

New Delhi: The Indian Olympics Association named A Sharath Kamal, the renowned table tennis player, as the flag bearer for team India at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The veteran player, however, reacted to the news on Friday that he was "pretty surprised", PTI reported. He said that he was expecting athletes like the likes of Tokyo Games gold-winner Neeraj Chopra to be chosen for the role but described it as an honour and recognition of the years of hard work he did in his game.

However, the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) decision to name Kamal for the role has struck a controversy, and the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA) raised their dissatisfaction, which they expressed in strong words.

"Yes, I was pretty much surprised at first. When I was the flagbearer at the Commonwealth Games, there was immense joy and so much pride," the 41-year-old Kamal said during an online media interaction.

"When it was announced first, it was a bit hard to believe because there are people like Neeraj Chopra who have won medals at the Olympics or who are expected to win... Beyond all of them, they thought about me," he added.

Kamal, who will be appearing in his sixth Olympics, called it a recognition of his hard work over the years.

"I do understand the thing behind that because of the timing of events for athletes. For me personally, getting there as a five-time Olympian really recognises the toil I have done over the years, not just for myself but also for the table tennis fraternity." Reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Chopra scripted history at the Tokyo Games three years ago by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the mega-event.

Kamal holds a record ten national titles and has secured 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including seven gold.