World Para Athletics Championships: Dharambir, Preeti named India's flag bearers

Dharambir and Preeti Pal were on Wednesday named India's flag bearers for the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships as the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) unveiled the official team jersey in New Delhi with 30 days to go for the event.

The championships, to be held in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5, will see a 73-member Indian contingent in action on home soil.

Dharambir, who won gold in the men's club throw F51 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, and Preeti, who clinched two bronze medals, will lead the contingent at the opening ceremony.

"Carrying the Indian flag at this championship is a tremendous honour. After the experience in Paris, I am more motivated than ever to give my best and make the entire nation proud. This new jersey will be a symbol of our unity and fighting spirit," Dharambir said.

Preeti added, "Winning medals at the Paralympics showed me the power of perseverance and belief. Wearing the team India jersey is a proud moment, and I am excited to compete on home ground and inspire the next generation of para athletes across the country."

The jersey launch was attended by tournament brand ambassador and actress Kangana Ranaut, PCI president Devendra Jhajharia, Paul Fitzgerald, head of World Para Athletics, and leading para athletes including Simran, Rinku, Devender Kumar, Amisha Rawat, Shreyansh Trivedi, Varun Singh Bhati and Pranav Soorma.

"Today's jersey launch and the announcement of our strong team India contingent is more than just unveiling a uniform; it is a celebration of courage, determination, and the spirit of our para athletes," Jhajharia said.

"Each athlete represents India's resilience and pride, and we are confident that this team will deliver outstanding performances at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi."