PR Sreejesh’s trophy cabinet contains over 100 medals and accolades, including two Asian Games gold medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, and four Asian Champions Trophy gold medals. However, it is not the gold medals that stand out among his accomplishments; rather, the bronze medal he won at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago outshines every other honor he has received in his illustrious 18-year international career.
The 36-year-old is preparing to become the first Indian custodian and just the third Keralite, following PT Usha and Shiny Wilson, to compete in four Olympics when he travels to Paris in over a week. The Khel Ratna recipient is eager to improve on Tokyo’s performance but accepts that it would be a great challenge.
India is a definite medal contender. We can beat any team in the world right now. However, the gap between the top six teams is narrow. So, it is the performance on the day that counts. If we play to the best of our ability consistently, we can certainly bring home a bigger medal than the one we won in Tokyo, Sreejesh said.
The two-time winner of the FIH’s Best Keeper award believes the Indian squad heading to Paris is far better prepared than the one that traveled to Tokyo.
Covid had hampered our preparations for the previous Olympics, and we had played very few matches in the run-up to Tokyo. However, in addition to the journey to Australia, we played 16 matches in the Pro League this season. We have five players that will compete in their first Olympics. However, because they have played against the elite clubs in the Pro League, they are familiar with their strategies. That experience will be critical in the Olympics, Sreejesh expressed.
Sreejesh, who has played under more than a dozen coaches, is full of praise for India’s current coach, Craig Fulton. He was a former player. So, he understands a player’s psychology. Furthermore, he has worked with teams such as Belgium, and this experience will benefit us in the Olympics. He allows players to express themselves freely on the pitch, which helps them perform to their full potential, Sreejesh added.
I am very experienced now and more confident in my abilities. Goalkeepers mature with age. So, I feel I am a better goalkeeper than I was three years ago, the veteran goalkeeper concluded. Being the seniormost member of the contingent, Sreejesh’s role is now not limited to goalkeeping duties alone.
