Sushil Kumar to be India’s flag-bearer at London Olympics, wrestler says he is honoured

So finally Sushil Kumar will be India’s flag-bearer at London Olympics. According to a report in The Times Of India, weeks of speculation came to an end on Sunday with the announcement that Sushil Kumar will lead out the Indian contingent on July 27 as the official flag-bearer at the London Olympics. “With the wrestling events only getting underway on August 5, Sushil was the only logical choice left with the likes of shooter Abhinav Bindra and boxer Vijender Singh declining the opportunity,” says the report, adding that Sushil, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday evening after a training stint in Colorado Springs, US, was elated about the opportunity provided by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

"Just representing the country in the Olympics is a huge opportunity for any Indian athlete. But to lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics will be a dream come true," Sushil told TOI on Sunday.

Meanwhile a report in The Hindu says that IOA acting president V.K. Malhotra announced that Sushil will be India’s flag-bearer. Bindra was reportedly the preferred candidate of the IOA but since his 10m air rifle event is scheduled three days after the opening ceremony on July 30, the shooter wanted to focus on his preparations.

Similarly, Vijender’s weigh-in is scheduled for July 28 so it was tough for him to do the honours. Paes had led the contingent in 2000 Sydney Games and IOA decided Sushil should do the honours this time.
However, it will not be easy for Sushil either as the wrestlers will be training in Belarus from July 20th to August 5. Indian wrestlers' competition will begin only on August 10 and the team will only reach a few days before their event. Sushil, whose event is slated on August 12, will have to come specially to London for the opening ceremony.

“He will come for a day to London and will then return to his training at Belarus. The wrestler will be coming to London on August 6th. The IOA discussed the matter with us and we agreed. It is a good news for wrestling that Sushil is becoming the flag-bearer. It will encourage more youngsters to take up the sport,” Wrestling Federation of Indai (WFI) general-secretary Raj Singh told Deccan Herald.