Flagbearers in judo: Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Maryam March Maharani, born in 2000, is a judoka from Indonesia who proudly represents her country on the international stage. Despite being one of the lesser-known athletes, her determination and achievements in judo have made her a trailblazer for her nation. On Friday, she will have the honor of carrying the Indonesian flag at the Parade of Nations along the scenic Seine in Paris, marking a significant moment for her and her country, which is more widely known for its successes in badminton and weightlifting. Indonesia has won eight gold medals in its Olympic history, with 15 medals in weightlifting alone.

Born and residing in Jakarta, Maryam competes in the -52 kg weight category, standing at 153 cm tall. Her journey in judo began at the age of 14 in 2014, and since then, she has progressed steadily through the ranks.

Maryam's international debut came at the 2018 Asian Open in Hong Kong in the -52 kg category. In the 2024 IJF World Championships held in Abu Dhabi, she ranked 33rd in the women's -52 kg event. In the World Tour, she achieved a 17th place finish in the same category at the 2022 Tokyo Grand Slam.

Her notable achievements include winning a bronze medal in the -52 kg category at the 2024 European Open in Warsaw and securing a silver medal at the Asian Open in Hong Kong in 2023.

Maryam is currently a student, pursuing a Sports Coaching Study Programme at Jakarta State University. She is fluent in Indonesian and actively engages with her followers on social media, particularly on Instagram.

Training under coaches Toshiya Anzai from Japan and Putu Wiradamungga Adesta from Indonesia, she hones her skills at PJKB Judo in Jakarta. Her preferred techniques include left sode-tsuri-gomi-goshi and right tai-o-toshi, showcasing her technical versatility in judo.

Known by her nickname "Rani," Maryam enjoys walking, eating, and exercising in her leisure time. Her most memorable sporting achievement is competing in the 2022 Grand Slam in Tokyo. Influenced greatly by her parents and coach, she looks up to judoka Uta Abe of Japan, a two-time 2020 Olympic medallist and four-time world champion.

Maryam's sporting philosophy or motto, "Praying while working, working while praying," reflects her dedication and spiritual approach to her sport and life. As she steps into the spotlight at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Maryam March Maharani embodies the spirit of Indonesian judo.

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)