Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has made a massive revealation around the large-heartedness of India's double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra. The star Indian javelin thrower won a silver medal at the Paris Olympic 2024 to go with his gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but more importantly won the hearts of fans with his grand gesture for India's legenadary hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Notably, it is being learnt that while Manu Bhaker was already announced as the Indian contingent's flag-bearer for the closing ceremony, both Neeraj and Sreejesh were in the mix to accompany her as the flag bearer at the event. However, Neeraj stepped aside in recognition of Sreejesh's service to Indian sports and realising that it was his last Olympics with the shot stopper having announced his retiremenet from international hockey.
"I spoke with Neeraj Chopra and appreciate the spontaneity and grace with which he agreed that Sreejesh should be the flag-bearer at the Closing Ceremony," she said as quoted by news agency PTI.
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"He told me ‘Ma’am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai’s name’. It is reflective of the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport," she added.
Indian Hockey Team, Neeraj Chopra Clinch Medals On Same Day
Meanwhile, in a rare feat for India in their Olympics history, they were able to add two Olympic medals on the same day. While the Indian men's hockey team beat Spain in the bronze medal match with Sreejesh saving 9 penalty corners to help India bag the medal, Chopra's season best throw of 89.45 metres helped India add a silver to their name. The two medals took India's medal tally to 5.
It was a second successive Olympic medal for both Chopra and Sreejesh. While the javelin thrower had sealed the gold in Tokyo, Sreejesh was the goalkeeper of the Indian team that had won the bronze in Japan.