PR Sreejesh named India’s flag bearer with Manu Bhaker for Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony

New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday named Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the joint flagbearer with shooter Manu Bhaker for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024.

Manu clinched two bronze medals for the country while Sreejesh retired from hockey after the Indian hockey team defeated Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match on Friday, August 8. The hockey team won two consecutive Olympic medals for the first time since 1972.

Sreejesh played a crucial role in India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. He pulled off important saves during the group-stage match against Australia and in the penalty shootout against Great Britain in the quarterfinal.

IOA President Dr PT Usha said that the Indian goalkeeper was both an emotional and popular choice within the leadership, including the Chef de Mission Gagan Narang, and the entire Indian contingent. “Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades,” she said.

Manu Bhaker was named India’s flagbearer a few days ago. She became the country’s first athlete since Independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympics. Manu won bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh. She is in Delhi and will be flying back for the closing ceremony.

‘Neeraj agreed Sreejesh should be the flagbearer at the closing ceremony’: IOA President PT Usha

IOA President also said that she spoke with Neeraj Chopra, who won two consecutive Olympic Games medals by winning silver in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

“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. 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” she added.

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 Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been named as India’s flagbearer for the Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony alongside Manu Bhaker on August 11, Sunday.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today