Veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, a mainstay in India’s goals for years, called time on his glittering career on Monday. Earmarking the Paris 2024 as his swansong event, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, recalled the sacrifices made by his father at a young age which inspired him to dream bigger.
The Kerala native earned 328 international caps for the national team, making three Olympic appearances, and multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups. He will be featuring in his fourth Olympic appearance starting on July 26.
Sreejesh, in his retirement note, wrote: “As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.
“From the modest beginnings at G V Raja Sports School, to this momentous journey that has defined my life, every step has been a testament to dreams, determination, and the support of my loved ones.
“I still remember my father selling our cow to buy my first kit. His sacrifice ignited a fire within me, pushing me to strive harder, dream bigger.
“My first international trip to Australia was filled with wonder and excitement, a young boy chasing a dream on foreign soil. The 2012 London Olympics was a harsh teacher. Losing all our matches was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was also a turning point.
“Winning our first Asian Champions Trophy in a shootout against Pakistan was a historic moment. The first Asian Games gold, against Pakistan in another intense shootout, solidified our place in history. These victories were not just for me, but for every Indian who believed in us.
“Leading the Indian team as captain in the Olympics was an honor beyond words. And being named the World’s Best Goalkeeper was a recognition that I will cherish forever.
“The crowning glory, our Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020, was a dream realized. The tears, the joy, the pride – it was all worth it.
“Thank you for believing in me. Here’s to the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new adventure.
With all my heart,
P R Sreejesh”.
Thank you for believing in me. Here’s to the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new adventure.
With all my heart,
P R Sreejesh pic.twitter.com/K8cTrF4VfC— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) July 22, 2024
Sreejesh, 36, made his debut at the South Asian Games 2006. He secured memorable victories with the national teams, including a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang version.
Besides that, he was a part of the Asian Champions Trophy-winning side in 2018, and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals champion team in Bhubaneswar.
