Manu Bhaker named India's flag bearer for Youth Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra has announced Manu Barker as the Flagbearer of the Indian Contingent during the send-off ceremony. Bhaker, who had won gold in 10m air pistol at Guadalajara World Cup as well as Commonwealth Games, will be among top medal contenders for India at the Youth Olympics.

This will be India's largest ever contingent at the Youth Olympics.  A contingent of 68 members, including 46 athletes, will depart for Argentina to compete in 13 sports during the prestigious event. Hockey 5’s will have the most representation with a total of 16 players, nine each in men's and women's team. The track and field events have seven athletes while shooting will be represented by fou. Recurve archery, badminton, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, and rowing are all represented by two participants each.  Boxing, judo, and sports climbing have solo representation each.

"Gone are the days when Indians participated in big multi-sport events just for the sake of participation. I know you all will give your best and bring medals for the country. Stay focused, be disciplined as you are ambassadors of the country. No one should do anything which can tarnish the image of the country. I wish you all the best," Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said during the send-off celebration.