Sreejesh and Bhaker lead India as flag-bearers at Paris Olympics closing ceremony

In a fitting tribute to their outstanding contributions, celebrated hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and star shooter Manu Bhaker were chosen as the flag-bearers for the Indian contingent at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Sreejesh, who recently concluded an illustrious 18-year career with a bronze medal win, was selected following strong endorsements from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha. Even renowned javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra expressed his support for Sreejesh's nomination. Usha described Sreejesh as "both an emotional and popular choice" among IOA leadership and athletes. The legendary goalkeeper previously carried the flag at the Hangzhou Asian Games closing ceremony.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting sensation, joined Sreejesh as a joint flag-bearer. Bhaker achieved remarkable success at these Games, securing two bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team events, and finishing fourth in the 25m pistol event. Her achievements mark her as the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games.

Both Sreejesh and Bhaker are celebrated as sporting icons in India, symbolising the nation's rising prominence in the global sporting arena. Their roles as flag-bearers highlight the growing success and ambition of Indian sports as the countdown begins towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.