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Opening ceremony gatecrasher regrets 'error of judgement' after walking with Indian flag bearer

 

Reuters
Friday 03 August 2012 10:31 BST
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Madhura Nagendra, in red, joins in with India's parade
Madhura Nagendra, in red, joins in with India's parade (GETTY IMAGES)

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The woman who gatecrashed India's parade at the Olympic opening ceremony apologised today for her "error of judgement" and said she did not breach security at the London Games.

Madhura Nagendra, identified as a Bangalore student by local media, irked Indian officials in London by her unauthorised presence alongside flag-bearing wrestler Sushil Kumar.

London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe confirmed her as a cast member and said she had been "slightly over excited".

"In an error of judgement I resulted in walking with the Indian contingent," Nagendra told reporters in Bangalore.

"Of course I have realised my mistake...I have not breached security which was stated earlier in the media. I have not trespassed, I have not gatecrashed.

"I'm part of the casting committee. Yes, I have hurt the sentiment of my people. I understand it was a mistake and I apologise for the same," she added.

Television pictures and photographs from last Friday's ceremony showed Nagendra walking in the Olympic Stadium dressed in red and blue in complete contrast to the Indian contingent's female members who were wearing yellow saris and blue blazers.

Reuters

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