Baker to become first Eelam Tamil torchbearer for Paris Olympics

by Sharmini
May 11, 2024

Tamil baker Tharshan Selvarajah, who arrived in France from Sri Lanka in 2006, will become first Eelam Tamil to carry the Olympic torch at this year’s relay.

Selvarajah will be one of 10,000 people to carry the torch. 

Speaking to France 24, Selvarajah said the decision came as a “good surprise” and said he was “very lucky” to be selected. 

The torch will be travelling through over 400 French towns and territories including Guadeloupe, Martinique, New Caledonia and Réunion before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games on 26 July.

Last year, Selvarajah won the title of having the best baguette in Paris. Selvarajah beat off 176 other baguettes and bagged a €4,000 prize. He is currently delivering the bread to the presidential palace.

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