New Delhi: P R Sreejesh, one of the greatest goalkeepers of this generation and former skipper of the Indian hockey team, will retire after the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The veteran custodian announced on Monday that the Paris Games will be his last international outing.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper will be making his fourth appearance at the Olympic Games. The 33rd edition of the Summer Olympics begins on July 26.
Sreejesh has played 328 international games including three Olympic Games, multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups.
“As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh said in a Hockey India press release.
“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me,” he added.
“My teammates have stood beside through the tough and the ardent times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the colour of our medal.”
As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans. pic.twitter.com/MqxIuTalCY
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) July 22, 2024
A golden career
Sreejesh made his senior debut at the 2010 World Cup. He has been a part of India’s memorable wins, including gold in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta.
He also featured in India’s Asian Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2018, besides the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals championside in Bhubaneswar.
(With Inputs from PTI)
Sreejesh has played 328 international games including three Olympic Games, multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
