New Delhi: Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh explained his selection in the Paris Olympics squad ahead of youngsters. On June 26, Hockey India announced a 16-member squad for the men’s side to represent India as the only hockey team at the prestigious tournament.
Sreejesh pipped the likes of Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera to be India’s designated goalkeeper at the Olympics. Although Sreejesh and Krishan have shared the goalpost duties for alternate quarters in the last six years, including big tournaments like World Cup and Asian Games, the limited strength of 16 members in a squad by the Olympics norms means the teams have limited options to choose tactical players.
Hence, the team picks only one goalkeeper to allow backup options for attackers and defenders. Though Sreejesh empathised with his counterparts, but then at the same time he pointed out, his efforts in the build-up to make a chance in what is supposed to be his last Olympics event at the Paris.
“When the team was announced, I felt bad because these two guys were always travelling with me. When it comes to the Olympics, there is only one goalkeeper. It’s a bit awkward. You should ask yourself, ‘Why am I here?’ Because I want to play in the Olympics. Otherwise, I could have ended my career three years ago,” Sreejesh told Sportstar.
“You need to be physically and mentally fit to compete with them,” he further elaborated to highlight the level of competition that goes in to secure the lone goalkeeper’s position in the squad.
Despite the competition on the field, the hockey veteran has been the mentor to both Krishan and Suraj and also shares a good bond with the youngsters.
“There shouldn’t be a gap between me and them. I try to keep it open for everyone, talk to everyone, make fun of them, advise them, guide them, correct them, and go eat with them,” said the 36-year-old veteran.
‘This is going to be tough for us’: PR Sreejesh on Paris Olympics
PR Sreejesh pulled off a stunner save against Germany in the bronze-medal match at the Tokyo Olympics when India conceded a penalty corner with just six seconds left on the clock. It was that moment that sealed India’s first Olympics medal, though bronze, after a wait for 41 years. However, Sreejesh doesn’t want to count the success of Tokyo when they walk into the pitch of Paris.
“We cannot dwell on it now. Every team is improving a lot, and playing really well. The top six of them are very competitive and capable of beating each other on any given day. This is going to be tough for us. But I think we are capable,” he said.
The Indian men’s hockey team is drawn in Pool B in the Olympics with Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. Harmanpreet Singh & Co. will start their tournament on July 27 with their first match scheduled against New Zealand.
PR Sreejesh pipped the likes of Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera to be India’s designated goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics 2024. He will appear in his fourth Olympics event after featuring in the editions of London (2012), Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020). Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
