‘Sree, your career as a player is over’: PR Sreejesh reflects on the moment after winning bronze medal playoff against Spain at Paris Olympics

PR Sreejesh's superlative efforts were not enought to prevent India's defeat on Sunday. (File/Reuters)At Tokyo 2020, PR Sreejesh played a pivotal role in helping India secure their first-ever Hockey medal at the Olympics since 1980. (Reuters)

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh revealed why he got so emotional after winning the bronze medal playoff against Spain at Paris Olympics.

“It was emotional,” said PR Sreejesh at the Indian Express’ Idea Exchange.

“I started hockey in 2000 as a little kid in a sports school, not on a big stage.

“Playing for 24 years and knowing it was my last match as an international player, I wanted to let those emotions go.

“In an hour, I was going to get ready, warm up. I didn’t want the emotions to hold me back once the match started.

“As I sat there, memories of my journey flashed in my mind. I reminded myself that my playing career was over, and I needed to focus on my business.

“It’s my laptop wallpaper now, a reminder that ‘Sree, your career as a player is over.’”

Having retired from international hockey, he now steps in as India’s junior team head coach, while he will be director and mentor of Delhi SG Pipers in the revamped Hockey India League (HIL).

“No, my policy is 1-0, I’m happy with that,” said Sreejesh on his coaching philosophy.

“But keeping the zero is crucial. You can score 10 goals, but if you can’t maintain that zero, it’s an issue.

“We Indians are skilled at attacking hockey. However, in modern hockey, defence is crucial.

“Craig (Fulton) often says defence wins championships. We won a final 5-3, but I wasn’t happy. At 5-0, I’d be happy, but at 5-3, there’s a concern. Conceding a goal suggests we are lacking somewhere.”

Manas Ranjan Sahoo
Manas Ranjan Sahoo

I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.

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