India’s veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is gearing up for what could be his final Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games. As he prepares for this significant milestone, the 36-year-old has drawn profound inspiration from the Indian cricket team’s recent victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. The dramatic win over South Africa, ending an 11-year ICC title drought, served as a lesson that Sreejesh plans to carry with him to Paris.
Sreejesh, who closely followed the T20 World Cup final, was deeply moved by the cricket team’s never-say-die attitude. He emphasized the importance of fighting till the last moment, a principle vividly demonstrated by the cricket team’s stunning comeback against South Africa.
“I did watch the final. The biggest learning from this World Cup is that don’t celebrate before the last ball. South Africa was almost winning till the 15th over, but the Indian team did not give up hope and snatched the win from the jaws of defeat,” Sreejesh shared with PTI Bhasha.
“That’s what not only us (hockey team) but every Olympic-bound athlete can learn from our cricket team—never give up, just wait and fight till the last moment, you will achieve it. I will remember this in the Olympics,” he added.
Sreejesh is no stranger to perseverance. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, his critical save against Germany secured India’s bronze medal, ending a 41-year wait for an Olympic medal in hockey. This moment not only cemented his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers but also earned him the nickname “The Wall,” a moniker he shares with former Indian cricketer and coach Rahul Dravid.
Reflecting on his journey, Sreejesh credited his success to patience and humility—values he learned from his interaction with Dravid.
“I met Dravid bhai long back. He told us about the importance of patience and waiting for your moment. That’s what I did. I did not become one of the best goalkeepers in the world overnight. I waited for my opportunities. I have also learnt to remain humble from him,” Sreejesh said.
As he looks ahead to the Paris Olympics, Sreejesh is more focused than ever. His remarkable career began with his debut for India at the 2006 South Asian Games in Sri Lanka, and he has since played in 328 games for the nation. Each match has been a testament to his dedication and skill, contributing significantly to the growth of Indian hockey.
With the Olympics on the horizon, Sreejesh is determined to apply the lessons he’s learned from the cricket team’s triumph to his own sport. His goal is clear: to secure a medal for India and end his Olympic journey on a high note. The principles of resilience and fighting till the end, as demonstrated by the cricket team, are now at the core of his preparation.
