India's veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh retired with a bronze medal around his neck at the Paris Olympics 2024. Sreejesh has been the wall India men's hockey team needed. He played a major role in India's 2-1 win over Spain to win second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics. Sreejesh had announced his retirement even before boarding the flight to Paris. As he hangs his boots, he is sure that his place as goalkeeper will be claimed by another soon.
Sreejesh cited cricket’s example to make his point as he told PTI, "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 feeling of bidding goodbye to a game he gave nearly two decades to was yet to sink in before he was offered to take up a mentoring role in the Indian junior team to groom players for the future. Sreejesh is still figuring out how life after retirement will be for him.
"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.
"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.
Final call on coaching yet to be taken
While Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and the secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh have already said that Sreejesh is set to take up the role, Sreejesh is yet to make a final decision.
"I just got the offer. I spoke to Bhola sir. It's just time to head back home now, speak with my family and take a decision,” he added.
Despite failing it to make it to the final, India would take pride in the 4-2 win against Britain in quarterfinals where Amit Rohidas was shown the red card early in the game. While India lost to Germany 2-3 in the semifinal, Sreejesh is happy that the team hasn't returned empty-handed.
"Yes it was a bit disappointing to lose to Germany in the semifinal, but at least we are returning with a medal that's a big thing," he said.
Sreejesh credits Hockey India League for turnaround
Sreejesh is excited for Hockey India League's return as well. He feels it is one of the big reasons behind India hockey's improvement in the last decade and can serve as a platform for youngsters.
"Hockey India League is the best platform to develop hockey in India. The youngsters are getting a big platform to deliver their best.
"Secondly, we are inviting all the big hockey players to our country and thereby giving our young players great exposure -- learning how to prepare themselves, handle pressure situations, and play in front of big crowds.
"I believe that the reason why we are performing well here (in Olympics) is because of the Hockey India League. When it starts again, it will be a great platform for Indian hockey," he concluded.
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