Paris Olympics: ‘Best Team To Represent India’ - Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh confident of Indian Hockey Team's Medal Chances

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As the Paris Olympics 2024 approach, India's national hockey team is undergoing a significant transformation. The team that clinched a historic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 is almost unrecognizable now, with a slew of new players and a fresh coaching staff set to make their mark.

Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, a key figure in the team, remains optimistic about their prospects, asserting that the current squad is the best representation of Indian hockey on the world stage.

Tokyo 2020 was a landmark event for Indian hockey. After a 41-year hiatus, the men's team secured a bronze medal, a triumph that reignited the nation's passion for the sport. However, the women's team, which narrowly missed a medal in Tokyo, will not be competing in Paris, placing the entire spotlight on the men's team.

"Every time we have participated, we have hoped for a medal, and we finally got it last time. This time, we believe that we are capable of achieving it once again. All 11 players on this team understand how difficult it was to succeed last time." said Sreejesh who is set to make his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris Olympics 2024.

"Be it time, facilities, or tactics - everything changes," Sreejesh remarked. "Now, we have five or six new players in the team and a new coaching staff. Everything will be totally different from Tokyo. But I believe that at present, this is the best team to represent India in the Olympics."

The Indian squad has undergone several changes since Tokyo. The most notable is the arrival of South African Craig Fulton as head coach, who took over from Graham Reid. Fulton, who previously coached Ireland, has introduced a new tactical approach focused on a solid defensive setup and counter-attacking play.

This impact was reflected in the team's performance in the FIH Pro League, where India boasted one of the strongest defenses, recording the joint most draws and ranking fourth in defensive metrics.

In defense, Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas have been pillars of strength, supported by Sumit and Jarmanpreet Singh on the flanks. The midfield, anchored by Manpreet Singh and complemented by Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, offers a solid foundation, with Raj Kumar Pal and Shamsher Singh providing valuable depth.

Despite these strengths, India faces challenges, particularly in attack. The team has struggled with goal conversion compared to other hockey powerhouses such as Belgium, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands.

India's reliance on Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flicks for scoring may pose a risk, as the team's field goal to penalty corner goal ratio lags behind its competitors. The absence of Rupinder Pal Singh, who shared penalty corner duties with Harmanpreet in Tokyo, leaves a significant gap that the team must address.

" Every team is improving a lot, and playing really well. The top six of them are very competitive and capable of beating each other on any given day. This is going to be tough for us. But I think we are capable." added Sreejesh.

India's path to Olympic glory in Paris includes a favorable group stage draw, with matches against New Zealand, Argentina, and Ireland providing an opportunity to gain momentum before facing top contenders Belgium and Australia.

With high expectations and a revamped team, India's journey in Paris will be closely watched. The challenge is formidable, but the hopes of adding a 13th Olympic medal in hockey remain alive.