PR Sreejesh Named as India's Flagbearer for Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony alongside Manu Bhaker

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In a proud moment for Indian sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will serve as the joint flagbearers for India at the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This prestigious honor recognizes their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective sports.

IOA President Dr. PT Usha expressed her enthusiasm for the choice, noting that Sreejesh was both an emotional and popular pick among the IOA leadership and the entire Indian contingent.

"Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades," she remarked. Her sentiments were echoed by the Chef de Mission Gagan Narang, who also supported the decision.

Dr. Usha revealed that she had consulted javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who recently won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Chopra's response highlighted the deep respect he holds for Sreejesh.

"I spoke with Neeraj Chopra and appreciate the spontaneity and grace with which he agreed that Sreejesh should be the flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony," Dr. Usha said.

She recounted Chopra's words: "Ma'am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai's name," depicting the high regard Chopra has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport.

The IOA had previously announced Manu Bhaker as the female flagbearer. Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete since the country gained independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games. She secured bronze medals in both the 10m Air Pistol Women and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team events, alongside Sarabjot Singh.

The bronze medal win at Paris 2024 was especially significant for the Indian men's hockey team. It allowed them to honor PR Sreejesh with a memorable farewell, marking his final appearance on the international stage. The victory was a poignant end to Sreejesh's storied career, which saw him play a pivotal role in India's bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. That achievement had ended a 41-year medal drought for Indian hockey at the Olympics.

Sreejesh's contributions were crucial in the team's performance at Paris 2024. His standout moments included a key role in India's shootout victory over Great Britain in the quarter-finals and several critical saves in the medal match against Spain. Having debuted for India in 2006, Sreejesh's two-decade-long service to the national team was marked by dedication and excellence.

Reflecting on his career, the Olympic medal win was the perfect way to call it quits in India's blue shirt.

As PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker prepare to lead the Indian delegation at the Closing Ceremony, their achievements and the honor of carrying the flag symbolize the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Their selection as flagbearers serves as a tribute to their outstanding contributions and the pride they have brought to Indian sports.