Ace hockey player PR Sreejesh ended his illustrious 18-year career on Thursday with an Olympic bronze medal. The medal is fitting farewell for the veteran India custodian nicknamed ‘ The Great Indian Wall of Indian hockey’ — and considered the best ever goalkeeper India has produced. The team had previously broken a 41-year jinx by claiming a bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
“Words cannot express the pride and joy that I feel now. Achieving a bronze medal for India in the retirement match is truly a reward for his passion and dedication to hockey. I am speechless. We all are proud of him...It's a dream come true moment for us, for our family,” his wife Aneeshya said from Ernakulam in Kerala.
“It is very good news that the Indian team won the bronze medal. I was heartbroken in the finals when they lost... The biggest news was that we won against Great Britain,” added daughter Anusree.
The Indian team clinched its second consecutive bronze medal with a 2-1 win against Spain here on Thursday. The 36-year-old had played a crucial role during the match — coming up with some excellent saves to help India come out trumps. PR Sreejesh faced a total of 62 shots and saved 50 of those during Team India's Olympic 2024 campaign.
"I'm not trying to trick you. See, cricket is more, it's a beautiful game, definitely. As like you, all the media showcase cricket a lot, and the others are not getting the opportunity to watch hockey, that is one of the reasons," he told the media after the win.
Reports suggest that retired goalkeeper will now assume a new role as the head coach of the Junior India Hockey team. An announcement to this effect was also made by Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh.
(With inputs from agencies)
