The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has proudly nominated hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and pistol shooter Manu Bhaker as the joint flagbearers for the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. This decision highlights their outstanding contributions to Indian sports.
IOA President PT Usha emphasized that Sreejesh’s selection was both an emotional and popular choice within 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,” Usha stated.
Sreejesh’s remarkable performance in securing a bronze medal for India with a 2-1 victory over Spain, alongside Captain Harmanpreet Singh, at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Thursday, made him a standout figure in this Olympics.
Reflecting on the decision, Usha mentioned her conversation with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who gracefully agreed to the decision. “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. Chopra himself expressed his admiration, saying, “Ma’am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name,” showing the immense respect he holds for Sreejesh’s contribution to Indian sports.
Manu Bhaker was previously named as the female flagbearer after her historic performance at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first athlete since India’s Independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games. She secured bronze in both the 10m Air Pistol Women and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team events (with Sarabjot Singh).
Bhaker, who opened India’s medal tally in the ongoing Olympics, has also joined an elite group of athletes with multiple individual Olympic medals, such as PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar.
The selection of Sreejesh and Bhaker as joint flagbearers not only celebrates their individual achievements but also embodies the spirit and excellence of Indian sports on the global stage.
