“This is the better way to finish” Words spoken by the ‘Wall’ of Indian Hockey, PR Sreejesh, who yet again ruled out any possibility of reversing his decision to retire from international hockey after India claimed their Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.
Playing his last match for India, the Men in Blue were trailing 1-0 after the first quarter, in dire need of a breakthrough as Spain dominated all apsects of the game from the get-go.
Skipper Harmanpreet stepped up, scoring not one, but two goals for India in consecutivev quarters off penalty corners, to claim the lead and seal the win for his side, replicating their campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they sealed the Bronze as well.
This marks the first time in 52 years since the Indian Hockey Team won back-to-back medals in consecutive Olympics.
“I think this is the better way to finish an Olympic Games, with a medal. We are not going home empty-handed, that’s a great thing,” Sreejesh said on JioCinema.
“I respect the sentiments of people (who may have wanted him to continue). But some decisions are hard, but taking a decision at right time makes the situation more beautiful.”
“So, my decision stays.”
Despite his decision, for Harmanpreet, it meant the world to send off the legendary keeper on a high, as a token of appreciation and respect for the veteran.
“Some of the boys on our team are as young as Sreejesh’s career is long. His journey has been stellar, and it was an emotional moment for us. We are thrilled to have won the bronze medal for the country and for Sreejesh.”
The 36-year-old from Kerala, who has been the man in-charge at goal for 18 years and over 300 games, had announced hs retirement from the sport, prior to the Olympics.
“The team did a wonderful job and made this game so beautiful,” said Sreejesh who would be going as the best goalkeeper that India has ever produced.
The veteran keeper was also part of the bronze-winning team in Tokyo where the country won a medal after 41 years.
“Tokyo has a special place in my heart. That (bronze) gave us back the confidence that we can win medals (in Olympics).”
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