Flagbearers in judo: Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Another small nation on the judo map, Nepal, is proud to see judoka Manita Shrestha Pradhan representing her country by carrying the flag at the Parade of Nations along the scenic Seine in Paris on Friday evening. This moment is a significant milestone for Nepal, a country without a rich Olympic history.

Nepal made its Summer Olympics debut at the Games of the XVIII Olympiad in Tokyo 1964, competing in athletics and boxing. Since then, no athlete from Nepal has won an Olympic medal. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Nepal was represented by five athletes, including Gaurika Singh, who was the youngest swimmer to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics and returned to compete in the 100 meters freestyle. At Paris 2024, Santoo Shrestha became the first Nepali table tennis player to qualify for the Olympics, and Bangkok-based swimmer Duana Lama is seen as a promising talent, continuing the legacy of Karishma Karki and Gaurika Singh.

Manita Shrestha Pradhan, born in 1999, in Nepal, is a proud Olympic Scholarship Holder under the Nepal National Olympic Committee (NOC). She competes in the -57 kg weight category. Standing tall with determination, she has represented Nepal in various international competitions, although she is making her Olympic debut at Paris 2024.

Manita’s journey in judo includes competing at three World Championships (2017, 2018, 2019), although she exited in the first round each time. She also participated in the Asian Games (2018, 2023) and Asian Championships since 2016, showcasing her skills and perseverance on significant platforms. Her notable achievement includes finishing ninth in the Women's -57 kg category at the 2022 World Tour event in Tokyo. She has also been a medallist at the Cadet and Junior Asian Championships in the -57 kg category, demonstrating her potential.

While details about her education, occupation, languages spoken, and social media presence are not available, it is clear that Manita’s dedication to judo and her country is unwavering. Her participation in the 2018 Asian Championships in Tashkent marked her international senior debut.

Manita’s involvement in judo began at a young age, driven by her passion for the sport. As she carries the flag for Nepal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Manita Shrestha Pradhan symbolizes hope and pride for her nation, inspiring many young athletes in Nepal to pursue their dreams in sports.

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Friday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Faye Njie (GAM)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Izayana Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Larisa Ceric (BIH)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora Gjakova (KOS)

Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)

Thomas Mlugu (TAN)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE)