File image of Simran Sharma© X (Formerly Twitter)
Sprinter Simran Sharma on Saturday replaced Bhavina Patel as India’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games to allow the table tennis player adequate rest ahead of her quarterfinal on October 19. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) had earlier named shuttler Pramod Bhagat and Patel as India’s flag-bearers for Sunday’s opening ceremony. “The decision has been taken to ensure that Bhavina, a wheelchair athlete, gets sufficient time to rest and prepare for her crucial quarterfinal. The journey to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be physically demanding and leave her with limited time to recover ahead of the match,” the PCI said in a statement.
Para athletics head coach Satyanarayana said he did not want to take any chances with Bhavina’s rest and recovery ahead of Monday’s quarterfinal.
“Bhavina has her quarterfinal match on October 19, and it is important that she gets adequate rest and recovery ahead of this crucial contest. As a wheelchair athlete, travelling to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be demanding and leave her with limited time to recover.
“Keeping her well-being and competition schedule in mind, we felt it was important to make this change. Our priority is to ensure that our athletes get the rest they need and are fully prepared to give their best when they compete,” said Satyanarayana.
Bhagat, one of India’s most decorated para-badminton players, has won six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze.
Patel has won two medals in para table tennis at the Asian Para Games, claiming a silver and a bronze in the 2018 and 2023 editions respectively.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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