Government releases commemorative stamps for the 33rd Paris Olympics

The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication has released four commemorative stamps for the 33rd Summer Olympics, which is being held in Paris, France, from 26 July to 11 August 2024. 

The stamp was released at a function held in New Delhi on 5 August 2024. 

Who released the Commemorative stamps?

The commemorative stamps were released by the Union Minister of Communication, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

The function was attended by Paris Olympics bronze medallist shooter Sarabjot Singh, Steeplechase Athlete Sudha Singh, and former Cricketer Akash Chopra.

Sarabjot Singh won a historic bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, partnering Manu Bhaker in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sports Depicted in the Commemorative Stamp

The four stamps released by the ministers depict five Olympic sports - Javelin Throw, Field Hockey, Sailing and Table Tennis.

• India has one gold medal in Javelin at the Olympics. Neeraj Chopra won the medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 
• The Indian men’s hockey team has won 12 medals—8 gold,1 silver, and 3 bronze—in the Olympics. It won a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 
• Leander Paes is the only Indian to win a medal in tennis at the Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the men’s singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. 

Manu Bhaker to be Indian Flag Bearer at the Closing Ceremony 

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that shooter Manu Bhaker will be one of the flag bearers of India at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The IOA has yet to announce a male flag bearer for the closing ceremony.

• Manu Bhaker is the only Indian to have won two medals in a single Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol event.
• She again won a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.
• In 2020, the International Olympic Committee allowed one male and one female athlete to hold the flag of their nation during the opening ceremony of the Olympics. 
• Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Commonwealth Games medallist table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal were the flag bearers of the Opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.