A day after she was chosen as the flag-bearer for the country at the closing ceremony of the 18th Asian Games, Indian hockey women’s team captain Rani Rampal said that it was indeed a matter of “great pride” for her to be picked to do so.
Taking to Twitter to express her gratitude to the IOA and Hockey India, she wrote, “It’s a matter of great pride for me to be the flag bearer of our contingent during the closing ceremony of Asian Games today. I would like to thank IOA @ioaindia @TheHockeyIndia for giving me this opportunity.”
The Rani-led Indian hockey team had a good outing in the tournament but their dreams of a gold medal were shattered by Japan who defeated them 2-1 in the final to walk away with the top prize. The 23-year old broke out in tears after the summit clash as India had to end up being the second-best side on the day. Nonetheless, the Indian women have every reason to be proud of their performance as it was after a period of 20 years that they reached the finals.
India ensured they had their best ever campaign at the Asian Games this year with 69 medals which include 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.
Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium will host the closing ceremony on Sunday.
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