Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra will carry the Indian national flag during the opening ceremony of the XIXth Commonwealth Games on Sunday.

“The 28-year-old ace shooter will lead a 619-member strong contingent — 379 men and 240 women — in the grand ceremony scheduled to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi,” said Indian chef de mission Bhubaneshwar Kalita, while addressing the media at the Games Village near Akshardham here today.

“Bindra will be our flag-bearer. India will participate in all the 17 disciplines and have the biggest contingent,” he added.

Bhubaneshwar Kalita further said ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal and Olympic bronze medalist boxer Vijender Singh are among the six probables, who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the opening ceremony.

“Being the host nation, we have certain advantages and disadvantages relating to participation in the Games. But we are participating in all the events. We are getting full support here. The facilities here are excellent. All our athletes are fit and perform the best during the event,” said Kalita.

Indian chef de mission further said India had finished fourth in both 2002 and 2006 editions of the Commonwealth Games, and added the country is aiming for a second-place finish in the medal standings in the 2010 Games.

“The athletes are confident and aiming to secure more medals. Our target is the second spot in the Games,” he added.

A grand welcome and flag hoisting ceremony was also organised for the Indians at the Games Village in New Delhi.

Apart from around 7,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states, New Delhi is expecting a huge inflow of sports enthusiasts and tourists during the games.The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be held from October 3 to 14 in Delhi. (ANI)