Bismah Maroof to carry Pakistan flag at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Pakistan’s prominent wrestler Mohammad Inam Butt and the national women cricket team’s captain Bismah Maroof will carry the national flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham on Thursday, the Pakistan Olympic Association announced on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by the association, POA president retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan made the appointments.

“Inam has secured medals in the Commonwealth Games and made history by winning the first-ever medal and that too gold for Pakistan at the World Beach Games,” the press release added.

“He has been bestowed with the Pride of Performance by the government of Pakistan.

“He is the Chairman Athletes Commission of Pakistan Olympic Association (CGA Pakistan) and has been instrumental in empowering national athletes in programmes designed by the Pakistan Olympic Association (CGA Pakistan). His leadership has gathered together national athletes on various seminars projecting the athletes’ rights and responsibilities and he regularly offers insight to elevate national athletes and sports,” the POA said.

“Bismah Maroof, captain of Pakistan women’s cricket team, is an outstanding motivation for female athletes of Pakistan. She has played 118 One-day Internationals and 114 T20 Internationals for Pakistan. As an all-rounder, she holds an impeccable record both as batsman and leg-break bowler. The Common­wealth Games Feder­ation has kindly arranged her facilities to not only play but to look after her daughter, Fatima, during the Games. We cherish her athletic spirit, professionalism and motherhood with utmost respect and pride,” the press release concluded.

In a video statement, Bismah said: “This is our [Pakistan women’s team] first time to participate in Commonwealth Games. As a team, we aim to do well and win gold for Pakistan. We all are very excited about the event.”

Bismah also extended her well wishes to everyone who is part of Pakistan’s contingent in the event and will be representing the country.

The 32-year-old, along with wrestler Inam Butt, will be the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

“Carrying Pakistan’s flag in the opening ceremony is a very proud moment for me,” she said.

Pakistan women will clash with Barbados women in their opening fixture of the event on Friday, July 29.