Before this year’s World Cup, an Indian men’s hockey goalkeeper named PR Sreejesh took to social media to express his gratitude and pride before playing his final match for the country during Paris Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh led Team India in their last hurrah while being captained by Pat Crosby in her farewell game.Silver medalists Spain will face Germany in the bronze medal match on Thursday.
Sreejesh announced through his official social media handle: “As I made that last save standing between those goal posts, my heart was filled with appreciation and glory. From a little boy who only had a dream of protecting my motherland’s honor up until now – today, this journey ends, but my soul will forever hear every single cheer from the crowd as I make every single save throughout this final game for India; thanks for your belief in me… thank you all!”
This match would mark the end of Sreejesh’s international career with India as he revealed before the Paris Olympics.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper played a crucial role in helping India win its first ever Olympic medal after defeating Germany for bronze at Tokyo 2020.
Sreejesh is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Indian hockey history. In 2021, he received Dhyanchand Award—the highest sporting honour bestowed by Government of India—and became only second Indian sportsperson to win World Games Athlete of Year award. Moreover, he has been named International Hockey Federation Goaltender of Year two times straight (2021 and 2022).
He was instrumental when India won gold at the Asian Games thereby enabling them to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024.
