Paris Olympics 2024: PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker to lead as joint flagbearers at closing ceremony
In a significant announcement from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday, it was declared that PR Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, will share the honor of being the flagbearer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony with star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker.
Sreejesh was a 'popular pick'??
IOA President PT Usha explained the choice, describing Sreejesh as a heartfelt and popular pick among the IOA officials and the wider Indian team, including the Chef de Mission, Gagan Narang. She highlighted his more than two decades of dedicated service to Indian sports, particularly hockey.
Sreejesh Ascends the Throne!
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The decision followed a conversation with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who recently secured a silver medal, his second consecutive Olympic medal. "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," PT Usha shared. Chopra's response was touching: "Ma¡¯am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai¡¯s name," reflecting his deep respect for Sreejesh.
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Earlier in the games, Manu Bhaker was designated as the female flagbearer after making history as the first Indian athlete since independence to win multiple medals at a single Olympics. She achieved this remarkable feat by first claiming a bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event and then securing another in the mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker is set to return to Paris for the ceremony on Sunday.
Sreejesh described his journey as 'extraordinary'??
Sreejesh, who has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey since joining the team in 2006 and securing his position as the first-choice goalkeeper in 2011, expressed his emotions about his career.
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?Known affectionately as 'the wall,' he shared, "From a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honor, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary."?
His remarkable achievements include a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.
The latest medal tally for India stands impressive with a total of 40 Olympic medals. Notably, Chopra also marked a historic achievement as the first Indian to clinch both gold and silver in individual Olympic events.
?With their recent accomplishments, figures like Chopra, Bhaker, Sreejesh, and others join a prestigious list of Indian Olympians such as PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar, all of whom have earned multiple Olympic medals, bringing the total to 41 Indian athletes who have achieved this milestone.
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