PR Sreejesh And Manu Bhaker To Lead India As Flagbearers At Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony

New Delhi: Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as been selected as the flagbearer of India with Manu Bhaker for the closing ceremony of Paris Olympics 2024 on August 9, Friday. Sreejesh, in his final tournament at the Paris Olympics, played a pivotal role in India’s success as they secured their second consecutive bronze medal on Thursday. This marked the first time since 1972 that India has won back-to-back Olympic medals in hockey.

Sreejesh was a key player in India’s campaign as he produced crucial and amazing saves during the group clash against Australia and in the penalty shootout against Great Britain in the quarterfinal clash. The bronze medal match also saw Sreejesh pulling some sensational saves in the final moments of the game. The 36-year-old Sreejesh has now been chosen as a flagbearer alongside Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in Paris.

The closing ceremony is set to take place on August 11, Sunday.

After concluding his illustrious career, PR Sreejesh made it clear that there would be no retirement U-turn. The 36-year-old emphasized his desire to leave the sport on a high note, rather than facing questions about why he was extending his career.

Reflecting on his final match, Sreejesh felt the team gave him the best possible send-off. “I know that after today’s match or after today’s victory, nobody wanted me to retire. But as I mentioned earlier, my coach said, ‘Sree, when you retire, people should not ask why not; they should ask why.’ And I think this is the perfect way. My team gave the best send-off to me,” Sreejesh shared with India Today after winning the bronze medal.

Though his playing days are over, Sreejesh’s connection with Hockey India will continue, as he was immediately named the new head coach of the junior men’s team following the victory.