The Indian flag was ceremonially hoisted at the Games village at a simple ceremony on Tuesday night, marking a special moment for the Indian contingent taking part in the Olympic Games.

All the Indian athletes who checked into the Games village watched as the tricolour was unfurled to the strains of the national anthem, played by a local band.

The Mayor of the Games village, Deputy Chef-de-Mission Harish Sharma and Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh were among those present at the ceremony.

Besides the hockey team, ace long jumper Anju Bobby George, shooters Anjali Bhagwat, Abhinav Bindra, lifters Karnam Malleswari, Kunjarani Devi, shuttler Aparna Popat and tennis hero Leander Paes were among those who witnessed the event.

The opening ceremony of the 28th edition of the modern Games, where about 11,000 athletes will battling for honours in 37 disciplines, is scheduled for Friday while competitive action gets underway with football matches in various parts of Greece on Wednesday.