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Ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian hockey team’s veteran goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, is preparing for what will be his fourth Olympic appearance, the only goalkeeper to achieve this feat.
Sreejesh, who turned 36 in May, is aware that his time at the top of the game is limited and is looking to improve himself to earn his spot in the national team.
Sreejesh was part of the Indian field hockey team that made history in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by clinching the bronze medal, which ended India’s barren spell of 41 years.
Now, four years later, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Padma Shree awardee Sreejesh is fighting competition from his much younger colleagues Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera, 27 and 28 years old, respectively.
“You need to be physically and mentally fit to compete with them,” PR Sreejesh said in an interview with Sportstar.
However, far from it being a rivalry, Sreejesh acts as a mentor and guide for his younger compatriots, preparing them for a spot at the top.
“There shouldn’t be a gap between me and them. I try to keep it open for everyone, talk to everyone, make fun of them, advise them, guide them, correct them, and go eat with them,” Sreejesh said.
“If you feel like you are the senior guy and they should come to you, that is not the way a team works. Suraj and Pathak have been with me since 2016. After the Junior World Cup, they joined us and have been working alongside me," he added.
However, Sreejesh is in no mood to surrender his position as the starter between the sticks for India at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
“The Indian national hockey team has an open plate. If you are good, you are in. If not, there is no place for you. I always try to improve myself to earn my place and work hard alongside them,” Sreejesh said.
“When it comes to the Olympics, there is only one goalkeeper. It’s a bit awkward. You should ask yourself, ‘Why am I here?’ Because I want to play in the Olympics. Otherwise, I could have ended my career three years ago," he added.
"It’s about giving my best performance" - PR Sreejesh is geared up for the Paris Olympics 2024
PR Sreejesh is hopeful about his chances at the Paris Olympics 2024, especially after the taste of victory four years ago.
“It’s really exciting because very few have achieved this for India. You feel more responsible when you are participating in your fourth Olympics. The previous one was much better than all the other editions. So, this time it’s about being more responsible,” PR Sreejesh said.
“For me, it’s about giving my best performance and supporting my team," Sreejesh concluded.
