Indian national flag hoisted at the London Olympic games village
July 23, London: Our national anthem was played and the Tricolour was hoisted at the Olympic Games Village in London on Sunday, in a fun-filled musical ceremony presided by the Village Mayor, in attendance of 35 athletes and delegates.
The Village Mayor Sir Charles Allen welcomed India’s Deputy Chef-de-Mission Brig PK Muralidharan Raja, who made a presentation to the dignitary before the Indian tri-colour was hoisted to the tunes of national anthem along with the Olympic flag featuring the five rings. Raja exchanged mementos with Allan and then signed on the peace statue pledging India’s support for spreading the gospel of peace and the Olympic movement.
Welcoming the athletes, who had attained the distinction of representing their countries after years of hard work, the Village Mayor said: “Athletes from various cultures will call our Olympic Village their home, and we hope you take back cherished memories.” The Indian athletes and the officials were overwhelmed with the warmth and positive energy emanated by the troupe belonging to the National Youth theatre, enthralling the audience with their superlative acrobatics.
Brig. Raja stated that the athletes and officials were happy with the preparations and the regular meetings with them had fetched positive feedback.
It was mentioned that four doctors, Dr. Sarla Rao, Dr. Sanjogita Soodan, Dr. B.B. Nayak and Dr. Abhishek Choudhary, and three physiotherapists, Ramesh Trivedi, Harishankar Varma and Srikant Iyengar, were taking care of the requirements of the Indian athletes round the clock.
In addition, attempts were being made to have dedicated masseurs for the Indian athletes from the gym at the Games Village, whose services were otherwise being availed on appointment.
Meanwhile, Asian Games gold medallist and World Championship bronze medallist, boxer Vikas Krishan exuded confidence about his readiness to win at least “three rounds to ensure a medal’’ in the 69 kg category. “I have so far taken part in seven international competitions since 2007 and have won five gold and two bronze medals,” Krishan said.
The star attraction of the Indian contingent at this “Welcome Ceremony” in the Olympic Village was archer Deepika Kumari. The athletes and delegates were entertained by local youngsters with lovely musical performance complemented by some acrobatic moves.
The performers danced to the song “We Are The Champions” and ended with a salute to the champion athletes, who will compete for glory at the quadrennial sporting extravaganza.
Among the other Indian sportspersons present on the occasion, were the tennis doubles pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, who checked into the Olympic Village on Saturday, the boxers and some members of the hockey team.
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