Paris Olympics: Indian Hockey Star PR Sreejesh Draws Inspiration from India's T20 World Cup Triumph

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PR Sreejesh, India's veteran hockey goalkeeper, has drawn inspiration from the Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup 2024 victory. As the 36-year-old gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, which is his fourth and possibly final Olympics, he has absorbed a valuable lesson from the cricket team's stunning comeback: Never give up and celebrate only when the final whistle blows.

The Indian cricket team's dramatic win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final was a masterclass in resilience. With their backs against the wall, the team rallied to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, ending an 11-year ICC title drought.

Sreejesh, who watched the match with bated breath, was deeply inspired by the team's never-say-die attitude.

"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," said Sreejesh to PTI Bhasha.

"That's what not only us (hockey team) but every Olympic-bound athlete can learn from our cricket team is that 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 knows a thing or two about fighting till the end. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he made a save against Germany, securing India's bronze medal and ending a 41-year wait for a medal in the sport at the Olympics.

That moment cemented his reputation as one of the world's top goalkeepers and earned him the moniker "The Wall," a nickname shared with former Indian cricketer and coach Rahul Dravid.

PR Sreejesh's interaction with Rahul Dravid

Sreejesh's journey to becoming "The Wall" has been marked by patience, humility, and a willingness to learn. He made his debut for India in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Sri Lanka and has since been instrumental in the growth of Indian hockey, having played in 328 games for the nation. His meeting with Rahul Dravid, whom he credits with teaching him the importance of patience and humility, has had a lasting impact on his approach to the game.

"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.

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Sreejesh is determined to apply the lessons he's learned from cricket's triumph to his own sport. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey for possibly the last time at the Olympics, he's more focused than ever on securing a medal and ending his Olympic journey on a high note.