India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, stepped aside as the flag bearer for the Paris Olympics closing ceremony in favour of veteran hockey player and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Now, along with Sreejesh, bronze medal winner Manu Bhaker will be India’s flag bearer for the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.
Veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played his last international match against Spain, securing a bronze medal in men’s hockey at the Paris Olympics. He concluded his 18-year international career with this bronze medal.
Neeraj was also not the flag bearer at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. This honour was given to table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal and two-time medal winner PV Sindhu.
The statement from IOA
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement announcing, “The IOA is delighted to nominate hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the joint flag bearer, along with pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, for the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
IOA President Dr. PT Usha mentioned that Sreejesh was both an emotional and popular choice within the IOA leadership, including the Chef de Mission, Gagan Narang, and the entire Indian contingent. “Sreejesh has admirably served Indian hockey in particular, and Indian sport in general, for more than two decades,” she said.
What did Neeraj say?
Dr. Usha also mentioned that she had spoken with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who claimed his second successive Olympic medal by winning silver on Thursday. “I spoke with Neeraj Chopra and appreciate 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 had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name.’ It reflects the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport,” she added.
The IOA had earlier named Manu Bhaker as the female flag bearer after she became the first athlete since India attained independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games. She won bronze medals in the 10 m air pistol women and the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team (with Sarabjot Singh).
