Paris: India’s bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years will always occupy a special place at PR Sreejesh’s cabinet as it gave the Indian hockey confidence to fight eye to eye at the top level, said the veteran goalkeeper after the Men in Blue defeated Spain 2-1 on Thursday in a bronze medal match at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. This was also India’s fourth medal in the ongoing edition after shooting yielded the other three.
Having already announced that Paris Olympics 2024 would be his final international competition in India colours, Sreejesh gave it all to make his last dance memorable. From guiding his teammates from the back to making some spectacular saves under the goal, Sreejesh was everywhere for India in Paris.
“I think this is the better way to finish. We are not going home empty handed and thanks to everyone for the support. We have done a wonderful job and the players also did the wonderful job,” the 37-year-old said after drawing curtains to an illustrious 18-year-long career.
India could have won a gold or silver but they lost to Germany in the semifinals. Nevertheless, India didn’t return empty-handed. For the unknown, this was the first instance after 52 years that India won back-to-back Olympic medals in men’s hockey.
Talking about the love from fans and his retirement decision, Sreejesh said sometimes one has to take hard decisions. “I respect their (fans) love but sometimes some decisions are hard. And those hard decisions make these moments beautiful,” he said. Like in Paris, Sreejesh had also played a crucial role during their bronze medal-winning campaign in Tokyo.
Asked about which medal he would rate high, Sreejesh replied, “Tokyo medal has a different space in my home because that medal gave us the confidence for this medal.” Sreejesh’s wife Aneeshya said its a dream come true moment for the entire family and nation.
“Words cannot express the pride and joy that I feel now. Achieving a #Bronze medal for India in the retirement match is truly a reward for his passion and dedication to hockey. I am speechless. We all are proud of him…It’s a dream come true moment for us, for our family…” she told reporters in Kerala’s Ernakulam.
