Athletes attend flag hoisting ceremony in Birmingham

Birmingham, July 28 (UNI) On the eve of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony several Indian athletes took part in the contingent’s flag hoisting event here at the Games Village. Team India’s Chef de Mission, Rajesh Bhandari hoisted the flag in the presence of Acting President, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Anil Khanna, Anandeshwar Panday, Treasurer, IOA; Anil Dhupar, Deputy Chef de Mission for the Games, and other IOA officials on Wednesday. Indian men and women hockey teams along with players from other sports were present during the ceremony filled with music and dance. A maximum of 164 participants can take part from the Indian contingent in the Parade of Nations in the opening ceremony, where ace shuttler P V Sindhu and men’s hockey captain Manpreet Singh will be the Flagbearers for the contingent. India sent a 322-strong squad including 215 athletes and 107 officials and support staff for the Games.