Despite the rain, Paris delivered a stunning opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games, and table tennis shone brightly. Nine players from across the globe were entrusted with the honour of bearing their nations’ flags, a testament to the sport’s growing stature on the world stage.
Ma Long added another milestone to his illustrious career as he became the first table tennis player ever to serve as flag bearer for China. The iconic moment came with extra significance as the 35-year-old has hinted at Paris being his Olympic swan song.
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India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta started his fifth Olympic Games with the added honour of flag bearer. The stalwart of global table tennis couldn’t believe it when he first heard the news.
“Initially I thought it was a prank. I couldn’t believe it. It took me a day to understand when it was in the news to know that this is true. More than me, my family members felt very, very proud. The sacrifices, it’s not just me, but also my family members, especially my kids. They’re going through a lot of stuff. For them, when their classmates or schoolmates talk about this, they feel so proud. They ask when is it going to be, when can we see you on TV? I have visualised the moment when I lead Team India into the Olympic Games. The last few days, there’s been a lot more anxiety. I’ll do it with a lot of pride, but still I can’t wait for the moment to come,” Sharath Kamal Achanta
The 42-year-old’s journey from Athens 2004 debutant to Paris 2024 standard-bearer mirrors India’s table tennis ascent. This recognition coincided with a historic first; both Indian men’s and women’s teams have qualified for the Olympics, marking a new high for the nation’s presence in the sport.
Priscila Tommy of Vanuatu reprised her role as flag bearer, a duty she first performed at Beijing 2008. Her selection also marked the fourth time a table tennis player has led Team Vanuatu into the Olympics, showcasing the sport’s enduring importance to the Pacific nation.
Meanwhile, Xia Lian Ni, the oldest table tennis competitor in Paris, added another milestone to her impressive career as she carried the Luxembourg flag. At 61 years old, Ni is set to compete in her sixth Olympic Games, the most of any woman in the draw.
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Chelsea Edghill, the former Youth Olympian from Nanjing 2014, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, stepped into the spotlight as Guyana flag bearer in Paris. Joining her as their respective nations’ flagbearers are also, Neda Shahsavari for Iran, and history makers, Fabio Rakotoarimanana for Madagascar, Fathimath Ali for Maldives and Santoo Shrestha for Nepal.
The world witnessed history as these table tennis icons led their nations into the Olympic arena. Their presence on the world stage is a testament to the sport’s growing global impact.
Flag Bearers From Table Tennis:
Ma Long | China
Chelsea Edghill | Guyana
Sharath Kamal | India
Neda Shahsavari | Iran
Xia Lian Ni | Luxembourg
Fabio Rakotoarimanana | Madagascar
Fathimath Ali | Maldives
Santoo Shrestha | Nepal
Priscila Tommy | Vanuatu
