PR Sreejesh played his last game for India in the bronze medal match against Spain.©AFP
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday announced the appointment of hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as joint flag bearer with shooter Manu Bhaker at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. IOA President PT Usha said that Sreejesh was an emotional and popular choice within the IOA leadership, including Chief of Mission Gagan Narang and the entire Indian contingent. “Sreejesh has admirably served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general for over two decades,” she said.
PT Usha said she spoke to javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won his second consecutive Olympic Games medal by winning silver on Thursday.
“I spoke to Neeraj Chopra and appreciated the spontaneity and grace with which he agreed that Sreejesh should be the flag bearer at the closing ceremony,” she said.
“He told me, ‘Ma’am, even if you hadn’t asked me, I would have suggested the name Sree bhai’. This reflects the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sports,” she added.
The IOA had earlier appointed Manu Bhaker as the female bearer after she became the first athlete since India achieved independence to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games.
Manu won bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed 10m air pistol team (with Sarabjot Singh).
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