Never give up, fight till last moment: Sreejesh's learning from Rohit's men
The goal-keeper eyes coaching role post retirement.
'I am privileged to have represented India for more than two decades and earning my 300th international cap is truly a special memory for me.'
Veteran India goalkeeper P R Sreejesh had no qualms in admitting that the tense 3-2 victory over New Zealand in the Paris Olympics omen's hockey opener was a wake-up call ahead of tougher pool matches, even as coach Craig Fulton was pleased that the team stuck to its plan in Saturday's match.
Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh's heroics saw India pull off a thrilling 8-7 shootout win against Spain.
The FIH Athletes Committee serves as a consultative body and makes recommendations to the FIH Executive Board, FIH Committees, Advisory Panels and other bodies.
A "flat-footed" athlete, P R Sreejesh had a specific aim in mind when he decided to become a hockey player: securing 60 marks in annual examinations without having to study.
'We are exchanging in quarters. He is getting exposure while I have got enough experience. It is a good thing for the future.'
India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure, said Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.
Savita Punia and P R Sreejesh were named FIH Goalkeepers of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Sreejesh took up the role as the head coach of the Junior team following his retirement from the sport after India's bronze medal win against Spain at the Paris Olympics.
PR Sreejesh is taking one tournament at a time as far as his future is concerned and says he will "see how things happen"
Sreejesh believes goalkeepers are like vintage wine, which gets better with age
Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton has expressed his satisfaction with the talent on display at the National Championship, highlighting the team's depth, especially in goalkeeping.
Fort Kochi's charm lies in its oldness. Put on that cap, lace up your sneakers and those 10,000 steps are easy-peasy!
The Mission Olympic Cell is also considering higher incentives for retired Olympians and world-class players who want to take up coaching, in an effort to retain top talent within India.
The inaugural WHIL, scheduled from January 12 to 26 in Ranchi, will feature four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Soorma Hockey Club.
The Indian Men's Hockey Team Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh opened up on the team's preparations for the upcoming 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament and Hero Asian Champions Trophy.
Following his retirement, Hockey India appointed Sreejesh as the head coach of the junior men's team and he vowed to make India a 'powerhouse in hockey'.
The airline demanded more than a thousand rupees for him to carry 41 inch hockey stick
'To play my first World Cup match in front of a packed home ground against Pakistan felt like a dream. I can still feel the atmosphere, how the stadium was, how people reacted and how we won that match. That was the best moment for me as a youngster.'
'...we say that sport is this great phenomenon that is so wonderful and it's healthy and it's good for us all. Let's make sure that it doesn't bring suffering or disadvantage to anybody because of a major event that's come.'
'We had conceded many times in the past in the last seconds of the game and all those painful memories flashed in my mind. However, I knew I had to focus on the moment.'
The event was distinguished by the presence of hockey legends, including former captains Sardar Singh, Dillip Tirkey and Mir Ranjan Negi, former coach Harendra Singh, and the entire bronze winning Indian team.
India's Harmanpreet Singh was crowned as Men's Player Of The Year and his former compatriot PR Sreejesh was named Men's Goalkeeper Of The Year, announced the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday.
Sreejesh had clarified earlier that he won't be competing in the HIL
Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's wife Aneeshya is all set to welcome home the Olympic medallist with traditional Malayali meal.
Sreejsh beat competition from sport climber Alberto Gins Lpez of Spain and Italy's wushu player Michele Giordano for the award.
Sreejesh said while there is a big financial difference between the two sports, hockey still has a lot of emotions attached to it.
'We have been learning from him for so long. He shares his knowledge with all of us during goalpost training and gives us a lot of tips. So, I have a big responsibility.'
Indian men's hockey team beat Great Britain 4-2 in shoot-out to enter the semi-finals and remain on course to win its second consecutive Olympic medal.
"Through his outstanding performance at the Olympics, Sreejesh has brought joy to Indians around the world. As a fellow-Malayali, I take tremendous pride in his achievement," Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, was quoted as saying in a media statement.
PR Sreejesh, who is playing his last international tournament, on Friday said he is the Dhanraj Pillay for youngsters of the current team.
It was India who had the first opportunity to open the scoring but both the short corners went abegging as the home goalie foiled those attempts with his rock solid defence.
After securing a historic second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, the team was greeted by thousands of cheering fans.
Neeraj Chopra hoped to compete with other prominent international names in India
India's hockey team skipper Harmanpreet Singh and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed disappointment at not being able to realise their goal of winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but said a bronze will be at least better than returning home empty-handed.
'It can be my last Olympic Games so, for me, it's about what more I can achieve as an athlete, what I can get from this Olympics? That can only be a medal. That's a dream and that is helping me to sacrifice everything.'
'Now we are giving them a reason to pick up hockey, play the game and make the country more proud than this'
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday approved 139 Padma awards including seven Padma Vibhushans, 19 Padma Bhushans and 113 Padma Shris.
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