Timeless Memories: Manu Bhaker and Reetika Hooda Reflect on Their Journey

Manu Bhaker, who fueled India’s hopes at the Olympic Games by securing two bronze medals, had a fitting role in the closing ceremony. Returning from Delhi, she carried the flag alongside fellow bronze medalist and retiring hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the event concluded at midnight at the Stade de France. Manu, who clinched third place in the women's 10m air pistol and team events, and narrowly missed another bronze in the women’s 25m pistol final, relished every moment of the three-hour spectacle before an enthusiastic crowd of over 71,500.

The event began with a musical performance and the procession of flag bearers from 205 delegations. Dressed in the team’s official colors with ‘India’ emblazoned in bold golden letters, Manu and Sreejesh received resounding applause from the many Indians in attendance. “It was an unforgettable experience, and I will always treasure this day,” said Bhaker. She also mentioned her honor in carrying the national flag.

Her only regret was not being able to capture the moment on her mobile phone, which she lost upon returning to Delhi. She had accidentally left it on her seat after landing, and it was not recovered despite a complaint being filed with the carrier and a search of lost-and-found items. The phone, which was a gift from the Tokyo Games' official sponsor, was not located.

Wrestler Reetika Hooda, who was among the few Indian athletes who remained for the closing ceremony, also enjoyed the experience. “It was an honor to represent my country before such a large audience,” she said. Despite missing out on a medal, Reetika, the first Indian wrestler to qualify in the women’s heavyweight category, found joy in other aspects of the event.

For Reetika, the highlight was not watching Hollywood star Tom Cruise carry the Games flag to Los Angeles but meeting Cuban wrestling legend Mijain Lopez. Lopez, who won his first gold in Beijing in 2008, retired after securing his fifth consecutive gold in the men’s Greco-Roman 130-kg category. “I’m not particularly interested in Bollywood, and Hollywood is even more distant for me,” she said with a smile. “But meeting and taking a picture with Lopez sir was a priceless experience.”

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