Tokyo Olympic Medallist PR Sreejesh Reveals Why He Chose Goalkeeping

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The Indian men's hockey team is gearing up for Paris 2024, building on the momentum from their incredible Bronze medal finish at Tokyo 2020. Among the key players leading the charge is PR Sreejesh, the stalwart goalkeeper whose journey to the pinnacle of his sport is as remarkable as his achievements.

In a candid conversation with T20 World Cup winner Dinesh Karthik on JioCinema's 'Get Set Gold', Sreejesh opened up about his career, his motivations, and how he found his calling in goalkeeping.

The Genesis of a Goalkeeper

Sreejesh's story begins in the small town of Kizhakkambalam in Kerala, where his early athletic endeavors were far removed from the hockey pitch. Initially drawn to shot-put due to his physique, he explored various sports before settling on hockey.

"I was a shot-put athlete in my school days because I was overweight with less height. So, my team was better than me. Then I went for football, but there were a lot of football players already packed in that ground. I tried volleyball, but I was not good enough. Then I saw hockey," he recounted to Karthik.

Hockey, however, was not an immediate fit for Sreejesh. The demands of the sport-constant running, bending, and physical exertion-proved challenging for someone of his build and preferences. It was during these early days that Sreejesh observed the goalkeepers on the field, noting their stationary role and lack of running.

"Hockey was not easy because you need to bend, you need to play. That was really tough for me. And over that, you need to run. I was an overweight guy. I didn't like running at all. So, I've seen these goalkeepers in full kit, standing in a corner and kicking the ball.

"I thought that was pretty funny because they're not doing anything. They're not running. They're just wearing the pad and kicking the ball. So, I thought this is the right position for me because you don't need to run. You're a part of the hockey team and you'll get grace marks. That's how I became a goalkeeper," Sreejesh said.

Embracing the Goalkeeper's Mindset

Transitioning into a goalkeeper wasn't just about avoiding the physical demands of being an outfield player. Sreejesh quickly realized that being an effective goalkeeper required a unique mindset.

"The goalkeeper has to be a crazy person. Crazy, because you just need to have that guts to stand in front of that ball. The second thing is aggression, you need to be an aggressive person, and those reflexes have to be there. You don't get much time to just think, 'Save.' No, you just need to save it. Then you realize, 'Okay, I made that save.'"

Sreejesh's decision to focus on goalkeeping paid off, but not without significant effort and dedication. His progression through the ranks was marked by relentless training and a determination to excel.

Over the years, he developed the reflexes, mental toughness, and strategic thinking required to be a world-class goalkeeper. His efforts culminated in rewriting Indian hockey history, making him the only men's player from India to win the World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021.

His impressive collection of 16 international medals includes the Olympic Bronze (2020), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014, 2022), two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014, 2022), and four Asian Champions Trophy Gold medals (2011, 2016, 2018, 2023).

Sreejesh's career has been filled with both highs and lows, each experience contributing to his growth as a player and a person. Reflecting on the challenges, he spoke about the mental and physical demands of the sport, particularly for goalkeepers who often face intense pressure.

The ability to stay calm under pressure, maintain focus, and recover quickly from setbacks are essential traits he has honed over the years.

Looking Ahead to Paris 2024

As Sreejesh prepares to represent India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, his experience and leadership will be crucial for the team. India has been seeded with Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland in Group B of the tournament, setting the stage for a series of tough matches. Sreejesh's role will be pivotal as India aims to make a deep run into the medal rounds.