Having spent a serious a part of his life in a goalkeeper’s cage, carrying heavy armour, PR Sreejesh isn’t any stranger to criticism. The seasoned mentor understands that whatever the variety of important match-savings, and even match-winning, interventions, some perceived errors will at all times be uncovered and talked about. And he has made peace with this industrial risk.
Lest one forgot, it was his protection from a German penalty nook, which gave the impression to be a draw, within the ultimate seconds of a third-place playoff, that gave India their first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years at Tokyo 2021. Won.
But it was Sreejesh who confronted some criticism for scoring some smooth objectives of their 0-7 defeat towards Australia within the ultimate of the Commonwealth Games earlier this 12 months, when it was your complete defensive arrange towards the relentless . assault
“I have been a goalkeeper for over 20 years now, and I have gotten used to being criticized. I now take it in my stride and try to learn from it if I can,” Sreejesh informed The Indian Express informed.
Indian hockey was a bit excessive after the rostrum end in Tokyo, however Australia nonetheless faces difficulties, particularly within the massive video games. The defeat within the gold-medal match in Birmingham was not the primary such one-sided rating towards him.
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“We know Australia are a very aggressive side and we will take advantage of every little mistake we made, and we did something that day. But we must also remember that we played well in some parts of that final,” Sreejesh he stated.
Now in his thirty fifth 12 months, Sreejesh reveals no indicators of slowing down, be it by way of health or his enthusiasm for the sport. Numerous athletes could be pleased to signal on with an Olympic medal, however the Kerala legend is already eyeing new horizons.
“We won bronze at the Olympics, but silver is over bronze, or gold is over silver,” he insisted, with out hiding his ambition to focus on Paris 2024. There’s nonetheless loads to be achieved.”
That’s why the subsequent few months are so essential for Sreejesh and the Indian crew typically. The FIH Pro League marketing campaign will start with matches towards New Zealand and Spain in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Then there is a journey Down Under to face Australia in preparation for the World Cup in India early subsequent 12 months.
“The matches earlier than the World Cup might be used as a preparation for the massive occasion. We will strive totally different combos and methods in these video games. We will play in entrance of our dwelling viewers. So we’re decided to offer our greatest and depart no stone unturned.
A World Cup medal would look good together with an Olympic bronze within the Sreejesh Trophy cupboard.
prepared for a brand new marketing campaign
Despite shifting ahead over time, Sreejesh has no scarcity of enthusiasm and inspiration when a brand new hockey season approaches, though he’s sensible sufficient to grasp that he must work tougher than he did on the time to remain in optimum form. wanted to be accomplished when he was younger. As of now, he has not thought in regards to the final line of his hockey profession.
“When one is born, one doesn’t know when he/she is going to die. Similarly, how lengthy one will play will not be recognized. The thrill, privilege and honor of carrying India shirt is the largest motivation for me to work laborious , “They stated.
With solely 2 days left for the beginning of FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23, Spanish Hockey Team Manager Cesar Hernandez handed over the trophy to Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey on the Kalinga Stadium. pic.twitter.com/a8J9aAJY2h
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“I do know that at my age, I must focus extra on my health, diet and different points to remain on high. How I gown myself and coaching has modified as I’ve grown up. Recent technological improvements have additionally been used on this effort.”
Now a senior politician within the crew, Sreejesh has seen gamers from a couple of technology be a part of the crew over time. The crew that climbed the rostrum in Tokyo was a mixture of youth and expertise. As a former captain and an skilled participant, he has an enormous function within the improvement of the youth.
“We have a talented bunch coming in. My job will be to share their experience to make sure they adjust to international hockey as quickly as possible,” says the goalkeeper.
Abhishek is a younger ahead, whereas S Karthi and Sukhjit Singh have the chance to placed on spectacular performances within the Pro League to earn their place within the World Cup. Midfielder Mohamed Raheel represented India on the FIH 5S match in Lausanne, the place he was the very best goalscorer and Player of the Tournament. He will get his first call-up to the nationwide 11-a-side crew.
And what about India’s future in Lakshya?
Some considerations have arisen over Sreejesh’s long-serving successor, when he hangs his stick perpetually. There’s nonetheless a distinction in high quality between him and the nation’s subsequent finest custodian, however the man himself is not too involved.
“(Krishna Bahadur) Pathak has been in the team for a long time and is making good progress. It is not fair to throw youngsters in big matches before they are ready with enough experience. I am not going anywhere at the moment, but there is nothing to worry about in the long term,” the veteran signed off.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
