Won't have to walk under IOC flag again: Himanshu Thakur

Having endured a "strange" feeling while walking under the IOC flag in the opening ceremony of Sochi Winter Olympics, Himanshu Thakur is a relieved man now as he will be able to take part in the closing ceremony under the tri-colour after the world body today lifted the ban on the country.
Shiva Kheshavan, Himanshu Thakur and Nadeem Iqbal took part in the opening ceremony on February 7 under the flag of International Olympic Committee as they entered the Games as Independent Olympic Participants.
But now they will be able to walk under the tri-colour at the closing ceremony on February 23 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the suspension on Indian Olympic Association following IOA's election on Sunday. Himanshu and Iqbal will also be able to compete as Indian athletes.

Keshavan has completed his event on Sunday as he finished 37th in men's singles luge competition, but Himanshu and Iqbal are yet to begin their campaign. Cross Country skier Iqbal has his 15km Classic run event on February 14 while Alpine skier Himanshu's Giant Slalom event begins on February 19.
"It was a strange feeling that we three had to walk under the IOC flag during the opening ceremony. It's my first Winter Olympics and I was feeling bad that I would compete under IOC banner. But now I am going to take part as an Indian athlete. What more can I ask for, it's something I had not thought of. It was a surprise," Himanshu told PTI from Sochi.