The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker as India's flag bearers for the Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony. Manu claimed two bronze medals for the country in Paris whereas Sreejesh retired from international hockey with a bronze-medal finish.
The IOA President PT Usha expressed delight over the announcement and lauded Sreejesh for a stellar international playing career. “Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades,” she said.
The IOA President revealed that she had a word with Neeraj Chopra in regard to the potential flag bearers for the closing ceremony in Paris and mentioned that Neeraj agreed with "spontaneity and grace" that Sreejesh should be one of the flag bearers for the closing ceremony.
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,” she said.
“He told me ‘Ma’am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name’. It is reflective of the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport,” PT Usha added.
Notably, Manu has been the standout performer for the country at the Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old won a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol category and backed it up with another solid performance in the 10m air pistol mixed event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
On the other hand, Sreejesh emerged as a reliable wall for the Men in Blue in Paris yet again. The retiring goalkeeper was a treat to watch in the quarterfinal clash between India and Great Britain. Sreejesh foiled multiple attempts made by the opponents during the stipulated time to keep the score 1-1.
He followed it up with a heroic effort in the penalty shootout to help India advance to the semis.
