The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will kick off tonight showcasing table tennis like never before, with nine players chosen to bear their nations flags at the opening ceremony.

Ma Long will be adding another milestone to his illustrious career as he becomes the first table tennis player ever to serve as flag bearer for China. With his two Olympic singles gold medals and a career spanning across three decades, this additional feather in his cap is just yet another chapter in the legendary story of the greatest of all time. The iconic moment will also come with extra significance as the 35-year-old has hinted at Paris being his Olympic swan song.

The stars continue to shine as Indias Sharath Kamal Achanta will be starting his fifth Olympic Games with the added honour of flag bearer. The stalwart of global table tennis couldnt believe it when he first heard the news.

Initially I thought it was a prank. I couldnt believe it. It took me a day to understand when it was in the news to know that this is true. More than me, my family members felt very, very proud. The sacrifices, its not just me, but also my family members, especially my kids. Theyre going through a lot of stuff. For them, when their classmates or schoolmates talk about this, they feel so proud. They ask when is it going to be, when can we see you on TV? I have visualised the moment when I lead Team India into the Olympic Games. The last few days, theres been a lot more anxiety. Ill do it with a lot of pride, but still I cant wait for the moment to come. Sharath Kamal Achanta

The 42-year-olds journey from Athens 2004 debutant to Paris 2024 standard-bearer mirrors Indias table tennis ascent. This recognition coincides with a historic first; both Indian mens and womens teams have qualified for the Olympics, marking a new high for the nations presence in the sport.

Priscila Tommy of Vanuatu is also stepping to the forefront, but it will be familiar territory. Tommy is reprising her role as flag bearer, a duty she first performed at Beijing 2008. Her selection also marks the fourth time a table tennis player has led Team Vanuatu into the Olympics, showcasing the sports enduring importance to the Pacific nation.

Meanwhile, Xia Lian Ni, the oldest table tennis competitor in Paris, adds another milestone to her impressive career as she carries the Luxembourg flag. At 61 years old, Ni is set to compete in her sixth Olympic Games, the most of any woman in draw.

Rounding out this illustrious group is Chelsea Edghill. The former Youth Olympian from Nanji ng 2014, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, now steps into the spotlight as Guyana flag bearer in Paris.

Be sure to catch the opening ceremony through your local broadcaster and spot the stars in the spotlight when the festivities get underway at 19:30 (GMT+2).

Flag Bearers From Table Tennis:

Ma Long | China

Chelsea Edghill | Guyana

Sharath Kamal | India

Neda Shahsavari | Iran

Xia Lian Ni | Luxembourg

Fabio Rakotoarimanana | Madagascar

Fathimath Ali | Maldives

Santoo Shrestha | Nepal

Priscila Tommy | Vanuatu