After a roller-coaster ride of nearly 15 days during the Paris Olympics 2024 came to an end, as is the ritual, the closing ceremony took place on Sunday, 11 August. Manu Bhaker and PR Srejeesh were chosen as India’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony of Paris Olympics.
Bhaker, 22, won two bronze medals in Paris, one in the women’s 10m air pistol, while another with Sarabjot Sigh in the mixed team event. Elsewhere, Sreejesh was part of India’s bronze-winning hockey team during his last tournament as an active player. The legendary goalkeeper will hang up his boots and will coach the junior Indian hockey team.
Before he took up the new role though, the veteran had the honour of carrying the tricolour with pride and representing the Indian contingent in Paris.
Before the closing ceremony got underway, Bhaker shared a picture with Sreejesh, hailing him as one of India ‘sporting heroes’.
“Proud to be India’s flag-bearer alongside one of the nation’s true sporting heroes @16Sreejesh ! Jai Hind,” wrote Bhaker on social media.
PR Sreejesh also shared the picture on X, saying that he was ‘all set for the closing ceremony’.
“I feel great and carrying the flag in the closing ceremony would be an honour,” Bhaker was heard saying in a video shared by the Indian Olympic Association.
“It’s an honour to carry the flag in my last tournament,” said Sreejesh.
Since many of the Indian athletes from the 117-strong contingent have returned back home, they closing ceremony will not see as big numbers as the opening ceremony, but still, Bhaker and Sreejesh will take pride in representing the nation.
India finished the Paris Olympics 2024 in 71st place with six medals, albeit without a gold. Neeraj Chopra came closest to winning a gold but he was pipped to the top spot by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Apart from Manu’s two bronzes, Swapnil Kusale won a bronze in shooting, the hockey team won a bronze, Chopra won a silver and Aman Sehrawat added a bronze to India’s kitty.
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