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Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, recently retired PR Sreejesh has expressed confidence that India has the potential to find his successor. He gave the example of how Virat Kohli succeeded the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in cricket.
Sreejesh bid farewell to the game of hockey after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics 2024 and he has been offered to take up a mentor role with the Indian junior team.
"There won't be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure. All the sports are like that. Sachin Tendulkar was there and now there is Virat Kohli, and someone will take his place tomorrow. So, Sreejesh was there yesterday, but someone else will come and take his place tomorrow," PR Sreejesh told PTI.
Sreejesh added that hockey has been the focal point of his life for many years, and now that he is retiring, he feels uncertain about what comes next.
"It's like missing my life. I don't know anything other than hockey. From the first day I went to the camp in 2002 until now, I've been with them,” he stated.
“At least we are returning with a medal, that’s a big thing” - PR Sreejesh
The Indian men’s hockey team performed exceptionally against Great Britain at the Paris Olympics 2024. They were reduced to 10 players in the second quarter after Amit Rohidas was handed a red card.
However, India produced an incredible 4-2 victory with the match moving into the shootout. In the semi-finals, they lost 2-3 to the world champions and eventual silver medallists Germany to qualify for the bronze medal match.
Although PR Sreejesh was somewhat disappointed after losing the semi-final to Germany, he affirmed that the team takes pride in their collective performance and winning the bronze medal.
"Yes it was a bit disappointing to lose to Germany in the semifinal, but at least we are returning with a medal that's a big thing," he said in the same interview.
