Three-Time Gold Medallist Jerlin Jayaratchagan Named India's Flagbearer At Tokyo Deaflympics

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 19:29 IST

Jerlin Jayaratchagan will lead India’s largest-ever Deaflympics squad of 111 athletes in Tokyo, competing across 11 disciplines.

Three-time gold medallist Jerlin Jayaratchagan (SAI Media)

Three-time gold medallist Jerlin Jayaratchagan will proudly carry India’s flag at the Deaflympics, beginning in Tokyo on November 15.

India will send its largest-ever contingent of 111 athletes to the Games, marking another milestone in the country’s growing presence in global events for specially-abled athletes.

The team received an enthusiastic send-off from Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.

The first batch of athletes departs for Tokyo on Thursday.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in a congratulatory message, said India’s rise in international disability sports reflects its inclusive vision.

“India’s rapid progress in global events for special athletes is something to be proud of. As part of our endeavour to promote inclusivity and foster healthy outreach through sports, we are extremely happy to send the biggest-ever Indian squad to the Deaflympics," Mandaviya said.

“Every year our medal count has been increasing and I am very sure that we will even do better than Brazil."

India will compete across 11 disciplines: athletics, badminton, golf, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling, and tennis.

For Jerlin, who has already cemented her place as one of India’s most decorated deaf athletes, the honour carries deep personal meaning.

“Being chosen as the flagbearer is a moment of great pride and emotion for me," said Jerlin. “This is my third Deaflympics, but the first time I’ll be leading my country with the flag. It feels truly special."

The Deaflympics, organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bring together the world’s best deaf athletes for one of sport’s most inspiring showcases of talent, resilience, and inclusion.

(with PTI inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports Three-Time Gold Medallist Jerlin Jayaratchagan Named India's Flagbearer At Tokyo Deaflympics

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