The Indian hockey captain and ex-goalkeepers, who are veteran players PR Sreejesh, announced on Monday that he will make his last appearance in an international competition at Paris Olympics. On July 26th, the 36-year-old will participate in his fourth Olympic games after having represented the country 328 times at three Olympics Games, several Commonwealth Games and World Cups.
“While preparing for my final ball in Paris, I have looked back with a sense of pride and anticipation for the future,” said Sreejeesh indian hockey through a press release. “It has been an incredible journey and I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my family; teammates; coaches; fans; as well as Hockey India’s love and support. Thank you for believing in me.”
Sreejesh thanked all members of his team who managed to stand beside him during hard times and victories. “My colleagues have supported me through thick and thin moments,” he added. We all aim to do our best in France and definitely our medals’ colours should be altered.
His first major tournament was the 2010 World Cup where he played pivotal role in some of India’s big wins such as, winning a gold medal in Asian Games held at Incheon (2014) as well as clinching bronze medal at Asian Games staged at Palembang/Jakarta (2018). Moreover, he emerged top player during the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) held last year in Muscat/Mussanah-Sultanate of Oman-ACT-18 and also led India when they finished second in men’s series finals which were hosted by Bhubaneswar this year.
As Srijesh performs his ultimate international task his contribution towards Indian hockey together with his outstanding career is definitely going to be remembered and celebrated. One of India’s most famed goalkeepers came out from one of Asia’s oldest footballing dynasties when Paris Olympics became inevitable.