Hailing from Kerala, Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh better known as PR Raveendran Sreejesh, once again emerged as India’s shining star during the thrilling penalty shootout moments at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian team beat Great Britain by 4-2 in the quarterfinal of the men’s hockey match with spectacular shields of Sreejesh.

The incredible saves exhibited by the veteran goalkeeper have been hailed, as the whole team turned to be a one-man fight for a 43-minute shootout. With a couple of great saves, the goalkeeper once again proved himself to the great wall of India.

Read Also: What India’s Hockey Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh Said About India Vs Bharat Row

Speaking to the media after the match, Sreejesh said that when he stepped on this field, there were two options for him: one, this could be his last match, and the other, he might have an opportunity for two more matches as the 36-year-old was to retire after the end of India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024.

However, the goalkeeper, after his team-savior performance, stated that he was glad to be playing two more matches now. India reached the semi-final of men’s hockey, beating Great Britain by 4-2 in the crucial penalty shootout.

Praising the other player’s efforts, Sreejesh said that they scored enough goals, giving him enough confidence to continue. He also lauded the British goalkeeper, saying he was “very good,” stating that some days it is a different day for another person, and he thinks it is India’s day.

Read Also: ‘Selling Our First Cow’: PR Sreejesh Recalls Father’s Sacrifice As He Announces Retirement

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation in the world, Sreejesh plays in the Hockey India League for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Born in Erkakuman into a family of farmers, he has been trained as a sprinter since his childhood. At 12, he began the long jump and volleyball and joined GV Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sreejesh’s talent was recognised by his coach, Jayakumar, during his school school time, setting the stage for his career journey as a sports professional. It was in 2004 that the Kerala native made his international foray into the junior national team, playing against Australia in Perth. In 2006, he debuted on the senior national team at the South Asian Games in Colombo.

In 2008, he was awarded the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament,’ after India won the Junior Asia Cup. Sreejesh has since played in many games and has been credited with several achievements for the country, including several international medals.  He has earned 328 international caps for the national team, making three Olympic appearances, and multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups. In 2017, he was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the sport.

However, with India beating Great Britain, the country might confront either Argentina or Germany in the semi-finals.