NEW DELHI: Veteran goalkeeper and former India hockey captain PR Sreejesh announced on Monday that his final international appearance will be at the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old, who has 328 international caps and has participated in three Olympic Games, multiple Commonwealth Games, and World Cups, will compete in his fourth Olympics starting July 26.
“As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh stated in a Hockey India press release.”This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me.”
Sreejesh expressed profound gratitude towards his teammates, who have supported him through both challenging and triumphant times. “My teammates have stood beside me through the tough and the ardent times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the color of our medal.”
Making his international debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has played a crucial role in several significant victories for India. These include a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. He was also a key player in the team that jointly won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.
As Sreejesh prepares for his last international outing, his contributions to Indian hockey and his exemplary career will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated. The Paris Olympics mark the end of an era for one of India’s most celebrated goalkeepers, who leaves behind a legacy of dedication, skill, and leadership.
“As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh stated in a Hockey India press release.”This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me.”
Sreejesh expressed profound gratitude towards his teammates, who have supported him through both challenging and triumphant times. “My teammates have stood beside me through the tough and the ardent times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the color of our medal.”
Making his international debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has played a crucial role in several significant victories for India. These include a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. He was also a key player in the team that jointly won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.
As Sreejesh prepares for his last international outing, his contributions to Indian hockey and his exemplary career will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated. The Paris Olympics mark the end of an era for one of India’s most celebrated goalkeepers, who leaves behind a legacy of dedication, skill, and leadership.