Lê Đức Phát Makes History as Olympic Badminton Flag Bearer in Paris 2024
Leon To
Mon Jul 29 2024
In a remarkable display of honor and achievement, Lê Đức Phát of Vietnam has etched his name in Olympic badminton history even before stepping onto the court. Alongside cyclist Nguyễn Thị Thật, he led the Vietnamese Sports Delegation at the grand opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This prestigious moment marks a significant milestone for Phát and seven other distinguished badminton players who also had the privilege of carrying their nations' flags.
Among the illustrious group that included the likes of Tai Tzu Ying and Pusarla V. Sindhu were Uriel Francisco Canjura Artiga of El Salvador, Kevin Cordon of Guatemala, Thet Htar Thuzar of Myanmar, Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori of Nigeria, and Viren Nettasinghe of Sri Lanka. Together, they formed an unprecedented cohort of badminton athletes serving as flag bearers at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the sport's growing global presence.
The Paris 2024 Games witnessed the highest number of badminton flag bearers in Olympic history, eclipsing the figures from Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016. Notably, Kevin Cordon of Guatemala held this prestigious role for the second time, following his stint at the London 2012 Olympics. The complete list of badminton athletes who have had the honor of being their countries' flag bearers at the Olympics includes a diverse array of talents, from Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.
The legacy of badminton flag bearers at the Olympics extends back through the years, with athletes like Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen, Rexy Mainaky, and Lee Chong Wei leaving their mark on the sport's prestigious tradition. The evolving roster of badminton flag bearers reflects the sport's global appeal and the remarkable achievements of players from various nations worldwide.
As Lê Đức Phát and his fellow badminton athletes take center stage as flag bearers at the Paris 2024 Olympics, they not only represent their countries but also embody the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence that define the Olympic Games. Their presence underscores the growing prominence of badminton on the world stage and serves as a testament to the sport's rich history and bright future.