PR Sreejesh capped off his remarkable career by leading the Indian hockey team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday. Sreejesh was a standout performer as India secured their second consecutive Olympic bronze, coming from behind to defeat Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match. The veteran goalkeeper made several crucial saves against relentless Spanish attacks, showcasing his defensive skills. In an interview with NDTV, Sreejesh reflected on his role in the game, emphasizing that as a goalkeeper, his primary focus was on stopping shots and commending the team’s strong defensive performance.
“Stopping shots is my duty as a goalkeeper, so that’s all I was focused on. It wasn’t the time to think about anything else. The team did an excellent job defensively,” Sreejesh told NDTV after the match.
Following the victory, Sreejesh was seen bowing in front of the goal post while his teammates celebrated around him. When asked about his emotions in that moment, Sreejesh explained that the goal post had been his ‘home’ for 24 years, and he wanted to bid farewell in a respectful manner.
“The goal post was home for me for 24 years, and when you say goodbye, it should be done properly. In our Indian culture, we bow in front of what has supported us, and for me, that was the goal post. It helped me through all the highs and lows,” he added.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sreejesh was part of teams that won two Asian Games gold medals, two Commonwealth Games silver medals, and four Asian Champions Trophy golds. His trophy cabinet is filled with around 100 medals and awards.
Sreejesh, who received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, is also the second Indian athlete to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year Award, which he earned in 2021. Additionally, he secured consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022.
