Star shuttler PV Sindhu has been named the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast next month.
According to sources in the Indian Olympic Association, 2016 Olympic silver medallist Sindhu's rising stature in recent years clinched the issue in her favour for the coveted position.
The opening ceremony will be held on 4 April.
Having won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics two years ago, the Hyderabad-based World No. 3 Sindhu is one of the favourites to win the badminton women's singles title in Gold Coast. In the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, Sindhu bagged a bronze in women's singles.
In the last three Commonwealth Games, the prestigious position during the march past of the opening ceremony had always gone to a member of the shooting squad.
Jitu sure of medal
Seasoned shooter Jitu Rai has put the setback of the Rio Olympics in 2016 behind him and is confident of a podium finish as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games starting April 4 Gold Coast in Australia.
The Nepal-born shooter said he has worked hard on his shortcomings, and is aiming to win the gold medal in the upcoming CWG.
"All my dreams were shattered at Rio, but I have worked hard to put those behind me now.
“The preparations have really been good, all the shooters are doing really well in the training camp for the CWG," Jitu said.
"Personally, I have worked on a few technical shortcomings which I believe will help me perform better in Australia.
"I have been working on my mental as well as physical strength and conditioning. The aim is definitely on winning the gold medal and I am confident of a podium finish at Gold Coast," added Jitu, the 50m pistol gold medallist at the 2014 Glasgow CWG.