Former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising the immense sacrifices made by his family to enable his on-field exploits. Recently, Sreejesh received a heartfelt letter from PM Modi congratulating him on his bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and his retirement from international hockey. In his letter, Prime Minister Modi praised Sreejesh for his “monumental contributions” to Indian hockey and his “quick reflexes, sharp instincts, and calm confidence under pressure.” The PM also expressed his confidence in Sreejesh’s ability to succeed as the Head Coach of the Junior Men’s team. PM Modi added, “I also send my wishes to your family for the immense sacrifices they made off the field to enable your on-field exploits. It was a pleasant experience meeting them along with you a few days ago.”

In his tweet, Sreejesh thanked the Prime Minister for his kind words and encouragement. He wrote, “Hockey is my life and I’ll continue to serve the game and work towards making India a power in hockey, the start of which has been made with the 2020, 2024 Olympic medals. Thank You PM Sir for your faith in me.”

Sreejesh was also the star of the bronze medal match against Spain at the Paris Olympics, pulling out some memorable and stunning saves. A veteran of over 300 international caps, three Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups, Sreejesh featured in his fourth Olympic Games.

Having made his debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has been part of various memorable wins for India, which include a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games, a bronze medal in Jakarta-Palembang, the joint-winning team of the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, the gold medal-winning team of the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, and the silver medal winning team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At the Paris Olympics, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side secured a historic bronze medal, defeating Spain 2-1, marking their second consecutive Olympic medal, an achievement last accomplished 52 years ago. The match, held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, was especially significant as it also served as the farewell game for legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played his last international match.

A picture of legendary India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is going viral on social media. The former India player, who was part of the team that got a podium finish at the Paris Olympics, could be seen standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, showing his bronze medal. What also grabs atttention in the picture is the traditional costume that the star could be seen wearing. Notably, Sreejesh called time on his international career with the conclusion of India’s campaign at Paris Olympics.

Just-retired Sreejesh, who stood like a wall defending the goal for nearly two decades before bowing out on a high with a second Olympic hockey bronze medal in Paris, believes India has talent aplenty to find a suitable replacement for him.

Sreejesh, 36, stood rock solid in India’s campaign at the Olympics and played a key role in their hard-fought 2-1 victory against Spain in the bronze-medal match.

“There won’t be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure. All the sports are like that. Sachin Tendulkar was there and now there is Virat Kohli, and someone will take his place tomorrow. So, Sreejesh was there yesterday, but someone else will come and take his place tomorrow,” the goalkeeping stalwart told PTI in an interview at the India House in Paris.

Sreejesh, who has been offered to take up a mentoring role in the Indian junior team set-up, said that all these years his life had revolved around hockey and now that he has retired, he doesn’t know what he will do.

“It’s like missing my life. I don’t know anything other than hockey. From the first day I went to the camp in 2002 until now, I’ve been with them.

“I don’t know what all I will miss; maybe when I’m home, I will figure out. From morning, I’m out with them — training, gym, on the field — there is always a fun atmosphere. Pep talk, team meetings, you have to shout at them, even abuse them,” he said.

“The celebration days after a win or crying together after a loss, it’s been my life. Maybe, we don’t know what it’s like to be outside,” he said.

(With PTI Inputs)

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