[In Pictures] Manu Bhaker and PR Sreejesh turn up in style ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony
Manu Bhaker and PR Sreejesh, India’s flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, suited up in the country’s attire ahead of the last day of this year’s Olympic Games.
In a post on social media by the retiring Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the duo can be seen sporting the navy blue Indian uniform ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, holding a tricolour flag in their hands.
“All set for the closing ceremony. #lets #walk #with #the #flag #for #the #last #time,” the caption read.
Sreejesh’s compatriot and pistol ace Manu Bhaker also posted the photograph on her social media handle, writing:
“Proud to be India's flag-bearer alongside one of the nation's true sporting heroes @16Sreejesh! Jai Hind.”
Both Manu Bhaker and PR Sreejesh enjoyed excellent stints at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 22-year-old pistol shooter, appearing in only her second Olympic Games (after Tokyo 2020), made history by bagging two bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events.
Meanwhile, PR Sreejesh won a second consecutive bronze medal with the Indian men’s hockey team, bringing a near-perfect end to his 18-year career playing between the sticks for the national team.
As a result of their performances in the French capital, the pair was selected as India's official flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, how did India fare at this year’s Olympic Games?
With 117 members going to the French capital, India had sent its largest-ever contingent to the 2024 Olympic Games, and the expectation was that the country would improve on its Tokyo 2020 medals tally. India had won seven medals in Tokyo 2020, including one gold medal, courtesy of Neeraj Chopra.
However, at the end of the day, the improvement in medals tally was not meant to be. The Indian athletes largely flattered to deceive in their events in Paris 2024, and the country ended their Summer Olympic Games with six medals – one short of Tokyo 2020 – and no gold medals.
This marks a meagre return, as India finished in the 71st position in the final medal tally.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday marking the event’s conclusion, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will look to introspect and analyze the nation’s dismal showing at the quadrennial games, ahead of the upcoming 2026 Asian Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.