India is set to make history at the Deaflympics 2025 (Deaf Olympics) this time. The country is sending its largest-ever contingent of 111 members to Tokyo. The flag bearer for this contingent is three-time gold medalist Jerlin Jayaratchagan, who will lead India and hoist the tricolor at the opening ceremony.
Sports News: Three-time gold medalist Jerlin Jayaratchagan has been appointed as India's flag bearer for the Deaflympics, starting November 15 in Tokyo. This time, India is sending a record 111-member contingent to this competition. On Wednesday, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao formally bid farewell to the Indian contingent at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The first batch of athletes will depart for Tokyo on Thursday. On this occasion, an atmosphere of enthusiasm was observed among the players and officials, and all resolved to perform their best for the country.
India's Largest-Ever Contingent Departs for Tokyo
India's participation in the Deaflympics 2025 is considered historic. This time, a contingent of 111 athletes from India will participate, including players from both men's and women's categories. This is the largest Indian delegation ever to participate in any Deaflympics. The Indian contingent will compete in several sports, including athletics, badminton, shooting, swimming, wrestling, judo, table tennis, and cricket.
Three-time Deaflympics gold medalist Jerlin Jayaratchagan has been appointed as the flag bearer for the Indian contingent this time. This will be her third Deaflympics, but it is the first time she has received the honor of carrying the country's flag. Jerlin emotionally stated, "Being chosen as India's flag bearer is a moment filled with pride and emotion for me. This is my third Deaflympics, but for the first time, I will lead carrying my country's flag. This experience will be the most memorable moment of my life."
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Extends Best Wishes
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya extended his best wishes to the Indian athletes, stating that India is reaching new heights in promoting inclusivity in sports. He said,
'India's rapid progress in global tournaments organized for specially-abled athletes is a matter of pride. This time, the largest-ever Indian contingent is being sent to the Deaflympics. Every year, our medal count is increasing, and I am confident that this time we will perform even better than in Brazil.'
India has made remarkable progress in the Deaflympics over the past few years. At the Brazil Deaflympics 2022, India achieved its best-ever performance, where Indian athletes created new history by winning 16 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze). This time in Tokyo, Indian athletes aim to win more than 20 medals. Sports analysts believe that India's team this time is more balanced and experienced than ever before.
Special Training and Facilities for Athletes
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the All India Deaf Sports Federation (AIDSF) have jointly provided international-level training facilities to the athletes. Special coaching camps were organized in Delhi, Patiala, and Bengaluru.
Additionally, athletes have been provided with sign language interpreters, sports psychologists, and fitness trainers to help them remain mentally and physically b.
The Deaflympics 2025 will be held from November 15 to November 26 in Tokyo (Japan). Athletes from over 100 countries are participating. India aims not only for a better performance in the medal tally but also to showcase the country's inclusive sports policy on a global stage.
