Asian Games 2023: Harmanpreet Singh Feels Immensely Proud After Being Named India's Flag-Bearer For Opening Ceremony

Hangzhou, September 21: Men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh on Thursday (September 21) said it is a "moment of immense pride" and an honour for him to be named as one of India's flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou on Saturday.

On Wednesday (September 20), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that Harmanpreet and Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be the joint flag-bearers for the country's 655-member contingent during the opening ceremony on Saturday (September 23).

In the recent past, Dhanraj Pillay (1998, 2002), Jyoti Sunita Kullu (2006), Gagan Narang (2010), Sardar Singh (2014), and Neeraj Chopra (2018) were India's flag-bearers at the in the continental showpiece.

"Being named as the joint flag-bearer alongside Lovlina Borgohain for the Asian Games is a moment of immense pride for me. It is an opportunity to represent my country on an even larger scale, and I am truly humbled by this honour," Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our boxing star Lovlina for the same. I look forward to leading our contingent with all the enthusiasm and determination that has driven me throughout my career. This event is a testament to the unity and diversity of our nation, and I hope to carry our flag with the utmost pride and humility."

Harmanpreet played a pivotal role in India's bronze medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics. His drag-flicking prowess was on full display in Tokyo, where he emerged as India's top scorer, netting six goals. Harmanpreet recently led India to the Asian Champions Trophy title in Chennai.

Talking about Indian team's preparation for the Asian Games, which is an Olympic qualifier, Harmapreet said: "We've put in diligent preparation for the tournament, and our entire team is brimming with confidence. Our primary focus is on the crucial group-stage matches.

"We won't underestimate any opponent, as in major events, every team brings their A-game. Our mindset is geared towards victory against all opponents."

"After our commendable performance at the Asian Champions Trophy, our aim is to sustain that high level of play and clinch the gold medal at the Asian Games, which will help us in securing direct qualification for 2024 Paris Olympics," he added.

The Indian men's team is placed in Pool A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Uzbekistan in the hockey competition of the Asian Games, while Pool B consists of Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand, and Indonesia.

India men's hockey team will open their Asian Games 2023 campaign against Uzbekistan on Sunday (September 24) followed by the remaining pool stage matches against Singapore, Japan, Pakistan and Bangladesh repectively.

(With PTI inputs)