'I would have suggested...'- PT Usha reveals Neeraj Chopra's suggestion for co-flag bearer for Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony

PT Usha praised Neeraj Chopra for the deep respect he holds for his fellow athletes.

The Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony will take place on August 11 (Sunday). The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker as the nation’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony. While Bhaker is India’s only double medallist at Paris, PR Sreejesh clinched a bronze with the men’s hockey team in what was his international farewell tournament.

Earlier, there were report that Bhaker may be joined by Paris Olympics silver medallist Neeraj Chopra as India’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony. However, IOA president, PT Usha shared a heartfelt note about Chopra’s conversation with her regarding the same and the love and respect that Sreejesh has gained from fellow athletes.

She mentioned having spoken to Neeraj Chopra about choosing PR Sreejesh as the flag bearer and was impressed with Chopra’s humility and gracefulness. When she informed Chopra about the decision, he said, ’Ma’am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name.’

🚨- Sreejesh named India flagbearer with Manu Bhaker for Paris 204 Closing CeremonyParis, August 9: The Indian Olympic Association is delighted to announce the nomination of hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the joint flagbearer with pistol shooter Manu Bhaker at the Closing…

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 9, 2024

PT Usha also appreciated Neeraj for having immense respect for Sreejesh. She also had few words to share about the veteran goalkeeper. PT Usha said, ’Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades.’

Neeraj won his second Olympic medal, a silver in men’s javelin throw on August 8, making him India’s only silver medallist in Paris. Even after being outmatched by Arshad Nadeem, the Indian maintained his composure and took few pictures with Nadeem.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: IOA names PR Sreejesh as co-flagbearer for closing ceremony

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion understands the sport even though his experience is much less than others. His respect for fellow athletes at times of victory and defeat sets him apart from other athletes. Neeraj Chopra was nine years old when Sreejesh made his national debut. He has seen the goalkeeper while growing up and knows what kind of legacy the senior athlete holds.

Sreejesh had made his debut for national men’s hockey side in 2006 and has been safeguarding the goalpost ever since. He has four Olympic appearances with two bronze medals. With over 330 international caps, Sreejesh will lead India’s contingent for one last time alongside Bhaker with pride.

Bhaker has only started her Olympic journey and will be honoured to carry the flag with Sreejesh who has played his final game. The Indian contingent has seen athletes from different age groups taking part in the games. From 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu to 44-year-old Rohan Bopanna. The Olympics has indeed shown how much national pride means to athletes.

During the opening ceremony for India, it was 29-year shuttler PV Sindhu and 42-year-old paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal were the flagbearers for the nation. Next at the closing ceremony it will be 22-year-old Manu Bhaker and 36-year-old PR Sreejesh who will be the flagbearers.

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