New Delhi: India’s men’s hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been an integral part of the setup from over a decade. One of the most prolific players in the Indian line up, Sreejesh will render his services for one last time at the upcoming Olympic Games as the veteran has decided to quit international hockey after the showpiece event.
A benchmark of India’s strength in Paris, a lot would be relying on Sreejesh at the prestigious event where the men’s hockey team eye glory to keep the tag of the most successful sport for India at Olympics alive and kicking. Considered as a wall for the Indian hockey team, Sreejesh has represented India at three Olympic Games and multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups.
After making a record 328 appearances for the Indian men’s hockey team, the legendary goalkeeper announced his decision to retire after the Paris Games.
“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,” Sreejesh wrote in a thread on his X account, reminiscing his 18-year-old career with the national team.
Sreejesh part of memorable wins for India
Having made his debut at the 2010 World Cup, the veteran goalkeeper has been part of many memorable wins for the Indian hockey team including the gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze at the 2018 Asiad. Even at the Tokyo Olympics, Sreejesh was an integral part of the Indian hockey team which finally found its way back to the Olympic podium after winning a bronze medal by beating Germany in the third-place playoff.
From humble beginning to earning accolades for Indian hockey
Born into a family of farmers in the Kizhakkambalam village of Ernakulam district in Kerala, Sreejesh was never keen on pursuing hockey as a sport and was initially attracted towards athletics. During his school days at the GV Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram, he participated in long jump, volleyball and sprints before his coaches convinced him to take up hockey.
PR Sreejesh was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2017 while in 2021, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. The veteran goalkeeper will look to add another feather to his cap at the Paris Olympics and end his career on a high.
Indian men’s hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will call it quits from international hockey after Paris 2024 Olympics. The showpiece event will start on July 26. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
