Former Indian hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who brought curtains down on his illustrious career with a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, was given a hero’s welcome in his home state of Kerala on his return from the quadrennial spectacle.
Sreejesh was a crucial cog in the two bronze medals the national hockey contingent won at back-to-back Olympics, Toyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and bowed out on a high as he helped the team clinch the final podium spot with a 2-1 come-from-behind win against the Spanish in France.
“Working hard for the country, sacrificing a lot and then winning a medal, it is not just for me, but for the country,” Sreejesh said on his return to the hinterland at Palarivattom.
The 36-year-old was delighted by the grand welcome he was afforded and termed it the icing on the cake.
“To be a part of this happiness, the welcome organised by everyone is like the cherry on top of the cake. The pleasure is doubled,” the former goalie said.
In a testament to the contributions made by the stalwart to the sport and the nation, his jersey number was retired by Hockey India.
The guardian has also been named as the coach of the Indian national junior hockey team in a nod to his persona and his contributions between the sticks for the men in blue for nearly two decades.
Sreejesh, who has experienced the highs and lows of professional sports, has been entrusted with the task of shaping the future of the national sport and opined that he would like to utilise the upcoming couple of months to make the transition from a player to a coach.
“As a coach, what I should do or the transition from a player to a coach, I have to mentally prepare for that,” the veteran said.
“So, I will spend the next 2-3 months on that,” he added.
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