Sharath, Nikhat named India flagbearers for Commonwealth Games closing ceremony

Veteran paddler Sharath Kamal and boxer Nikhat Zareen have been named India’s flagbearers for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham.

Kamal in combination with Sreeja Akula won the elusive gold in table tennis mixed doubles while Nikhat clinched boxing gold in women’s 50kg flyweight on Sunday. 

Veteran paddler Sharath Kamal and boxer Nikhat Zareen have been named India’s flagbearers for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham.

Sharath, in combination with Sreeja Akula won the elusive gold in table tennis mixed doubles and a silver in men’s doubles event while Nikhat clinched boxing gold in women’s 50kg flyweight category on Sunday.

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and men’s hockey captain Manpreet Singh were the Indian flagbearers for the opening ceremony

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A shortlist of flag bearers was drawn up with gold medallists from the wrestling and weightlifting teams also considered. The fact that the wrestling and weightlifting teams have already left for India was also factored into the final stage of decision-making.

IOA Acting President Mr Anil Khanna: “It is with great pleasure we announce Mr Achanta Sharath Kamal and Ms Nikhat Zareen as our flagbearers. Sharath has served table tennis brilliantly all these years and his medals, including a mixed doubles gold, at Birmingham 2022 speak of the class and quality he brings to the highest stage along with his longevity.

“Ms Zareen, the reigning world champion and Team India’s gold medallist in the light flyweight boxing category at these Games is one of our best talents who continues to go from strength to strength, inspiring many, including young girls in India.”