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India's hockey legend PR Sreejesh joins shooting sensation Manu Bhaker to lead Indian contingent at Paris Olympics closing ceremony. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will jointly carry the Indian flag at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. IOA president PT Usha expressed her enthusiasm for the choice, stating that Sreejesh was a widely respected and beloved figure among the Indian Olympic team and the IOA leadership, including Chef de Mission Gagan Narang.
“Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades,” she said.
PT Usha mentioned that she had spoken with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who secured his second consecutive 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 flagbearer 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 is reflective of the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport,” she added.
The IOA had initially selected Manu Bhaker as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony, recognizing her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games since independence. Bhaker secured bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and the mixed team 10m air pistol event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh).
PR Sreejesh, the hero of India's hockey bronze medal win, will share the honor of being India's flagbearer at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony with fellow medalist Manu Bhaker. The veteran goalkeeper played a pivotal role in India's historic back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, a feat unmatched since 1972. His crucial saves, especially in the quarterfinal penalty shootout against Great Britain, were instrumental in India's journey to the podium. As he played his final Olympic tournament, Sreejesh's selection as a flagbearer is a fitting tribute to his outstanding career.
Sreejesh confirmed as Indian men's junior hockey team's head coach
The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be held on Sunday, August 11. PR Sreejesh, who will share flag-bearing duties with Manu Bhaker, has confirmed his retirement from international hockey. The 36-year-old goalkeeper emphasized his desire to end his career on a high note rather than prolonging his playing days. Despite retiring as a player, Sreejesh will continue his association with Hockey India as he has been appointed the head coach of the junior men's team.
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