As the curtains prepare to fall on the 2024 Paris Olympics, a special honour has been bestowed upon celebrated hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Alongside star shooter Manu Bhaker, Sreejesh will have the privilege of carrying the Indian flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday, 11 August 2024. This role serves as a fitting tribute to his incredible contributions to Indian sport, and his analogy of the experience has captured the hearts of many.
Perfect end to Glorious Career
For PR Sreejesh, being named the flag-bearer at his final Olympics is more than just an honour; it is the perfect conclusion to an illustrious career. Reflecting on this significant moment, Sreejesh likened it to the satisfying feeling of eating a ‘Gulab Jamun’ after a hearty meal.
He said, “This is what happens when you eat whole food and in the end, after eating Gulab Jaamun, your whole stomach is full. This is what it exactly feels like. Both stomach and heart get filled. It’s the same thing—you come to your last Olympics, you win a medal, and you are the flag-bearer too. It’s a great thing and a great honour.“
Sreejesh’s analogy resonates deeply, symbolising the sense of fulfilment and pride that comes with closing this chapter of his life on such a high note.
Neeraj Chopra’s support
The decision to choose PR Sreejesh as the flag-bearer was widely supported within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), including by none other than superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. According to IOA chief PT Usha, Chopra himself felt that Sreejesh was the ideal candidate for the honour.
Usha shared that when she spoke with Chopra, he expressed his respect for Sreejesh, saying, “Ma’am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name.”
This sentiment reflects the deep respect and admiration that athletes like Chopra have for Sreejesh and his contributions to Indian sport.
Emotional and Popular Choice
Sreejesh’s selection as the flag-bearer was both an emotional and popular choice, resonating with the entire Indian contingent and the IOA leadership. Usha highlighted that Sreejesh has admirably served Indian hockey and sport in general for over two decades, making him a natural choice for this honour.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, culminating in India’s 2-1 victory over Spain in the bronze medal playoff match in Paris. This victory not only secured India’s place on the podium but also served as a fitting farewell for Sreejesh, who announced his retirement following the game.
Manu Bhaker: Historic Achievement
Manu Bhaker, who will join Sreejesh as the female flag-bearer, also holds a special place in India’s Olympic journey. Bhaker made history at the Paris Games by becoming the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games. She secured bronze in both the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.
Legacy of Leadership: PR Sreejesh
This is not the first time PR Sreejesh has been honoured with the role of flag-bearer. He previously held this position during the closing ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. His leadership and unwavering dedication to Indian hockey have made him a symbol of resilience and excellence in sport.
As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, Sreejesh’s ‘Gulab Jamun’ analogy serves as a poignant reminder of the joy, fulfilment, and honour that comes with representing one’s country on the world stage. His role as the flag-bearer is not just a personal achievement but a testament to his lasting legacy in Indian sports history.
