As the Indian men’s hockey team gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, captain Harmanpreet Singh revealed that the squad is driven by a special mission: to win a medal for their retiring goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh. Sreejesh, a stalwart of Indian hockey, announced that he would retire following the Paris Games, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw him play a crucial role in securing a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Sreejesh’s retirement has been an emotional moment for the team. Initially considering extending his career beyond the Paris Olympics, the 36-year-old eventually concluded his journey on this grand stage. His contributions have been invaluable, inspiring teammates and setting benchmarks in goalkeeping. Sreejesh’s influence extends beyond the field; he has mentored many, notably guiding the junior men’s team to victory at the 2016 Junior World Cup.
Harmanpreet Singh, who will be participating in his third Olympics, took to Instagram to share his admiration and respect for Sreejesh. He emphasized that Sreejesh’s leadership and mentorship have been pivotal in shaping many players’ careers, including his own. Recalling the 2016 Junior World Cup, Harmanpreet mentioned how Sreejesh’s guidance was instrumental in their triumph. We want to win it for Sreejesh and are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again,” Harmanpreet expressed.mSreejesh, reflecting on his career, expressed immense pride and gratitude. The Indian men’s hockey team will commence their Olympic campaign on July 27 against New Zealand. With the added motivation of honoring Sreejesh’s legacy, the team is poised to give their best performance. The collective goal is not just to compete but to secure a place on the podium, bringing home a medal that celebrates both their hard work and the illustrious career of PR Sreejesh.
The Paris Olympics 2024 thus marks not only a competitive endeavor for the Indian hockey team but also a heartfelt tribute to one of its most beloved players. The journey, emotions, and aspirations intertwined with Sreejesh’s retirement add a profound layer of significance to their quest for Olympic glory.