Paris Olympics: Rock star PR Sreejesh is the man again for Indian Hockey Team

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Some call him the Rock of Gibraltar and some call him the biggest and best goalkeeper India has ever produced. Yes, PR Sreejesh, a man who has won many matches for India with his alertness, reflexes and spirit was at the forefront of it yet again as he ensured India would baulk Great Britain in the quarter-finals in a high-stress match on Sunday.

Call it magic or call it great energy, what Srejesh had done for India repeatedly is nothing short of magic. How he does it is next to impossible as this is his last Olympics.

For someone competing in a fourth Olympics, the way he has preserved himself is a great story. In case people say goalkeepers have more shelf life, that is true. But how many want to work so hard and toil?

Sreejesh has seen the worst and the best. If 2012 London was a disaster then 2016 Rio was no better. He was at his best in the 2014 Asian Games final in Incheon, South Korea in 2014. We are in 2024, and Sreejesh is still there to serve the country. Before leaving for India, he said this was his last Olympics. He also said India are better prepared for Paris 2024. Yes, Sreejesh has proved it with his efforts and at the same time ensured Harmanpreet Singh has been effervescent.

No words suffice to describe Sreejesh. When India were losing, he never minded criticism. The man from Kerala has always been smiling and ready to talk to media. He has faced hard questions but none can doubt his commitment. To mesh with the players from all over India and be the captain as well, Sreejesh epitomises effort and endurance.

When India won a bronze medal in Tokyo, Sreejesh was ecstatic. He had lived for this day to see India back at winning a hockey medal. On Sunday, with India reduced to 10 men, Sreejesh needed to put in more effort. After all, the goalie is the last man standing after the defence line.

What is also important is how Sreejesh has kept challenging other goalkeepers from India. There are not too many from India, including the young generation who can challenge Sreejesh. While Paris may seem like a dream come true, who will replace Sreejesh after Paris is a big question.

Right now, Sreejesh is on an adrenaline high. He is taking it match by match and as a senior player, he is guiding the team. It has seniors and youngsters in it and for Sreejesh to showcase his importance is being a role model. How long this can go on is no mystery, for Sreejesh will give it his best effort in the semi-final as well. Right now, this team is on a high and to win with 10 men has been sensational against Team GB.

After the match, Sreejesh was smiling while talking to the media. People called him "Anna" and he justifies that respect. To beat Britain is always special and match after match in Paris, Sreejesh is there to defend for India. The bronze medal win in Tokyo is history, for Paris promises more. Sreejesh and another player with rich experience, Manpreet Singh are ensuring India can keep improving. Handling pressure has been awesome in this campaign. This Team India energy is surprising the Europeans!