PR Sreejesh, Manu Bhaker raise India’s flag high in Paris Olympics closing ceremony

New Delhi: The Paris Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, bringing the curtains on the high-packed action of the last 15 days in the French capital across 32 sports with some experiencing their first while some calling it a time at the qudrennial showpiece event.

According to a report by news agency AFP, around 9,000 athletes had flooded into the stadium to be entertained by 270 performers and artists in a ceremony billed as a celebration of humanity and the unifying power of sport. The ceremony began when France’s swimming hero Leon Marchand — winner of four gold medals at these Games — collected the Olympic flame from the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens to begin its journey to the stadium.

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise descended on a wire in front of 71,500 spectators, grabbed the Olympic flag and jumped on a motorbike, to the delight of athletes and fans. Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, singer Billie Eilish and rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre then performed a mini-concert on a beach framed by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The ceremony ended with the traditional practice of current host handing over the Olympic flag to the host of next Summer Games. As a result, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo passed on the flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Brass as LA will host the next edition of the Olympics in 2028.

Veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and young shooter Manu Bhaker were spotted carrying the tri-colour Indian flag at the closing ceremony as the country’s joint-flagbearers. Sreejesh announced his retirement from field hockey after India clinched bronze medal with a 2-1 win over Spain.

Meanwhile, Manu became the first Indian athlete to win two medals (two bronze medals) at a single Olympics edition in the post independence era. The two were felicitated by the Indian Olympic Association ahead of the closing ceremony.

Here are the pictures and visuals of PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker donning the flagbearers’ responsibility for India at closing ceremony. Check them below:

Manu 🤝 Sreejesh: India’s Proud Flag Bearers 🇮🇳

Watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics, tonight at 12:30 AM, LIVE on #Sports18 & stream FREE on #JioCinema 👈#OlympicsonJioCinema #OlympicsonSports18 #JioCinemaSports #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/3yhb70vnpx

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 11, 2024

As the curtains fall on the spectacular #ParisOlympics2024, the vibrant Indian contingent, led by the remarkable @realmanubhaker and @16Sreejesh have made the nation proud with their dedication and spirit. pic.twitter.com/WubQyJsOj4

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 11, 2024

**EDS: IMAGE VIA INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION** Paris: Indias shooter Manu Bhaker and mens hockey teams goalkeeper PR Sreejesh ahead of the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (PTI Photo)

**EDS: IMAGE VIA INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION** Paris: Indias shooter Manu Bhaker with coach Jaspal Rana and others ahead of the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Paris: Indias flag-bearers shooter Manu Bhaker and mens hockey team goalkeeper PR Srejeesh and others during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics at Stade de France, in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

Paris: Indias flag-bearers shooter Manu Bhaker and mens hockey team goalkeeper PR Srejeesh march during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics at Stade de France, in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

India finishes at 71st place in Paris Olympics 2024

The 117-member Indian contingent will return with six medals from the French capital, levelling the tally of London in 2012, and falling one short of the best overhaul of seven at Tokyo three years ago. Disciplines from shooting, hockey, athletics and wrestling earned medals. With one silver and four bronze medals, India was placed at 71st spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 medal tally among 206 NOCs participated in this Summer Games.

United States topped the charts once again with 40 gold, 44 silver and 42 bronze, accumulating 126 medals. The US pipped China, who were also tied with 40 gold medals, on the basis of more silver medals (China claimed 27 silver medals).

Veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and young shooter Manu Bhaker were spotted carrying the tri-colour Indian flag at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony as the country’s joint-flagbearers. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today