Tamil Nadu Athletics Association Questions IOA’s Decision on Flag-Bearer for Paris Olympics

Tamil Nadu Athletics Association Questions IOA’s Decision to Name Sharath Kamal as Flag-Bearer for Paris Olympics

The Tamil Nadu Athletics Association has raised concerns over the Indian Olympic Association’s decision to name table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal as India’s flag-bearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The association has called Sharath Kamal a “nondescript sportsman” and has demanded that ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra be given the honor instead.

According to a joint statement issued by TNAA president WI Davaram and secretary C Latha, the decision to nominate Sharath Kamal as the flag-bearer has sent shockwaves across the country. The association highlighted Neeraj Chopra’s credentials as the current Olympic and world champion in javelin throw and questioned the logic behind leaving out the gold medalist from the prestigious role.

The IOA, however, defended its decision by stating that making Chopra the flag-bearer would have disrupted his crucial last-minute preparations for the Games. With Chopra’s event scheduled towards the end of the Olympics, the IOA believed that it would be a waste of time for the superstar javelin thrower to participate in the opening ceremony.

Legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George also expressed her disappointment over the decision, echoing the sentiments of the TNAA officials. The association further questioned the IOA’s rationale for announcing the flag-bearer’s name early and urged for an explanation for the haste in the decision-making process.

As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming Paris Olympics to see how the Indian contingent performs under the leadership of Sharath Kamal. Will the IOA reconsider its decision and give Neeraj Chopra the opportunity to lead the nation in the opening ceremony? Only time will tell.