Manu Bhaker, PR Sreejesh to lead India as flag bearers at Paris Olympics closing ceremony

Famed hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and star shooter Manu Bhaker have been selected as the flag bearers for the Indian team at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games on Sunday. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed this prestigious role on Friday. IOA President P.T. Usha emphasized that Sreejesh was chosen due to his significant emotional and popular appeal among the leadership.

In an official statement, the IOA announced, "We are delighted to reveal that hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will share the flag-bearing duties with pistol shooter Manu Bhaker at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games."

Sreejesh's remarkable career

Sreejesh has played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for the Indian hockey team at the Olympics for the second consecutive time. Announcing his retirement after the Paris Games, the 36-year-old will conclude his international hockey career having led the Indian team to their 13th Olympic medal and their second successive bronze.

Sreejesh's journey began with his debut at the South Asian Games in Colombo in 2006. For several years, he struggled to secure a permanent place on the team due to the presence of senior goalkeepers such as Adrian D'Souza and Bharat Chetri. Nonetheless, he solidified his role from 2011 onwards, gaining acclaim for saving two crucial penalty strokes against Pakistan in the 2014 Asian Games final.

Bhaker's historic achievements

Manu Bhaker achieved notable success by winning a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol event, marking India's first medal at the Paris Olympics. She further distinguished herself by securing a mixed team bronze in the same event alongside Sarabjot Singh, becoming the first Indian shooter to claim an Olympic medal.