The Paris Olympics will start on July 26. The first match of the Indian hockey team is against New Zealand on July 27. Just five days before that, the Indian hockey team’s experienced goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, announced his retirement. Sreejesh will not be seen in international hockey. No more standing under the goal post to defend the Indian team’s fort. However, Harmanpreet Singhera will not face any problems at the Paris Olympics after announcing his retirement. Sreejesh will pick up the hockey stick after playing in his fourth Olympics. He announced his retirement on social media on Monday.
Sreejesh wrote, “I am standing at the end of my international career. I want to end my hockey career by playing at the Paris Olympics. My journey started at GV Raja Sports School. This journey has many memories. Made my life. I dreamed every step of the way. I have always had close people by my side.” His sacrifice made me stubborn. Motivated me to work harder. Taught me to dream big.”
Sreejesh still has the disappointment of losing all the matches at the 2012 Olympics. Also mentioned in the social media post. He also wrote about winning gold in the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time by defeating Pakistan. The 36-year-old hockey player has also highlighted issues such as leading the country in the Olympics, winning a medal in the Tokyo Olympics, and being Recognized as the world’s best goalkeeper.
Sreejesh, a resident of Kochi, is no longer the first choice of the national team. He is the second goalkeeper. He was one of the mainstays of the bronze medal-winning Indian team at the last Tokyo Olympics. He made his debut in international hockey in 2006. He played 328 matches for the country in 18 years. Sreejesh received the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.