Calcutta: Manpreet Singh, captain of the men’s hockey team who was named along with MC Mary Kom as one of the two flag bearers of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, is simply overwhelmed by this honor.
“It’s amazing and I’m speechless,” Manpreet said when he heard of the Indian Olympic Association’s decision on Monday.
The 29-year-old star midfielder, who has 269 international caps and will compete in his third Olympics, said it was a huge moment not only for him but for Indian hockey as well. “I think it’s a huge honor to be named the Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer alongside the incredible Mary Kom. I have always been inspired by her journey in boxing and personally for me, c ‘is a great moment in my career and it is also a great moment for hockey. I thank the Indian Olympic Association for this great opportunity and look forward to the responsibility at the opening ceremony in Tokyo “, he told Hockey India.
Manpreet became only the sixth hockey player to be named flag bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Lal Shah Bhokari (322 Olympics), Major Dhyan Chand (1936 Olympics), Balbir Singh Sr (1952 and 1956 Olympics), Zafar Iqbal (1984 Olympics) and Pargat Singh (1996 Olympics) have had the honor of being the flag bearers of the Indian contingent. at the Olympics in the past.
Congratulating Manpreet, Gyanendro Ningombam, President of Hockey India, said: “Manpreet has been the focal point of the India men’s hockey team for many years now and he has led the team to important victories as as captain for the past two years, including the Asian Cup. triumph and bronze medal at the FIH World League Final in Bhubaneswar 2017, in addition to playing an important role in the team’s qualification for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
“At Hockey India, we are very proud that the IOA has appointed Manpreet with Mary Kom as the Indian Contingent Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I congratulate Manpreet and wish him and him as well as to the team, the best. for their campaign in Tokyo.
The Indian contingent is expected to include 126 athletes and 75 officials.
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