New Delhi [India], November 12 (ANI): Jerlin Jayaratchagan, who has gained three gold medals on the Deaflympics, will likely be India’s flagbearer on the upcoming Summer Games in Tokyo from November 15-26. India is sending a document 111-member contingent to the Deaflympics, as per a launch from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The Indian contingent was given a heat send-off by the Secretary of Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao, on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The official equipment of the Indian contingent was additionally revealed. The first batch of Indians will depart for Tokyo on Thursday.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in a message to the Indian contingent, stated, ‘India’s fast progress in international occasions for particular athletes is one thing to be pleased with. As a part of our endeavour to advertise inclusivity and foster wholesome outreach via sports activities, we’re extraordinarily glad to ship the biggest-ever Indian squad to the Deaflympics,’ as quoted from a launch by SAI.
‘Every yr our medal rely has been growing and I’m very certain that we’ll even do higher than Brazil. But as I at all times say, it isn’t about what number of medals we win. It’s about competing with the most effective and giving your 100%. I want every athlete and the help workers good luck,’ he added.
India will participate in 11 disciplines – athletics, badminton, golf, judo, karate, capturing, swimming, desk tennis, taekwondo, wrestling and tennis. The Deaflympics are carried out by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). The Deaflympics, underneath the patronage of the International Olympic Committee, are the second oldest worldwide multi-sporting occasion on the planet.
‘We proudly have fun the Global Deaf Sports motion, which has accomplished 100 years of inspiring athletes worldwide! India is honored to be a part of this journey, having joined CISS (Comite International des Sports des Sourds) in 1963 and making its debut on the tenth World Games of the Deaf in Washington. With the institution of AISCD in 1965 and recognition from the Government of India in 1969, we have been striving to empower deaf athletes. As we gear up for the twenty fifth Deaflympics, we’re proud to showcase India’s expertise and spirit on the worldwide stage,’ stated G Suresh Kumar, the secretary-general of the All India Sports Council for the Deaf.
Three-time gold medalist Jerlin will likely be India’s flag-bearer at Deaflympics 2025. Tokyo will likely be Jerlin’s third Deaflympics. The Madurai lady performed her first Deaflympics in 2017 when she was 13. Jerlin went on to create historical past on the 2021 Summer Deaflympics (held in 2022 in Brazil) by successful three gold medals in ladies’s singles, combined doubles in Badminton, and the staff occasion. Her excellent achievements earned her the celebrated Arjuna Award in 2022, making her the primary Indian girl Deaflympian to obtain this honour.
‘Being chosen because the flagbearer is a second of nice delight and emotion for me. This is my third Deaflympics, however the first time I’ll be main my nation with the flag — it feels really particular. It represents years of arduous work, dedication, and the honour of carrying not simply the flag, however the goals of each athlete on our staff. I’m deeply grateful for this chance,’ stated Jerlin.
India will likely be hoping to win medals from capturing vary, once more. There will likely be numerous expectation from rifle shooter Dhanush Srikanth from Hyderabad.
‘I really feel very glad that I can signify my nation on the Deaflympics for the second time. The final Deaflympics had been good for me as I used to be capable of win two gold medals for India. I hope to do my finest to repeat the efficiency this time round too,’ stated the 23-year-old Dhanush.
In the final Deaflympics 2021 held in Caxias Do Sul in Brazil in May 2022, India was represented by 39 male and 26 feminine athletes. India gained a best-ever 16 medals – eight gold, 1 silver and 7 bronze to complete ninth amongst 77 taking part nations. (ANI)