Legendary Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh Bids Farewell to Hockey After Paris Olympics Triumph
Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has said goodbye to hockey after winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. India defeated Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match with Srijesh once again playing a vital role. After winning the bronze medal, Indian hockey players bowed in honor of Srijesh.
Thus, thanks to Srijesh's brilliant goalkeeping, the Indian hockey team managed to win two medals in two consecutive Olympics. Earlier, Srijesh's stunning performance in the Tokyo Olympics helped India beat Germany to win the bronze medal.
The Indian hockey team had won its first Olympic medal since It is the first time since 1972 that the Indian hockey team has won two consecutive bronze medals in the Olympics. This had previously happened at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. After the bronze medal in hockey, India now has four medals in the Paris Olympics Earlier, India had won three bronze medals in shooting.
Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, PR Sreejesh made his debut for India in the 2006 South Asian Games and has been a strong wall of the Indian goalpost ever since. Srijesh played more than 300 international matches throughout his career and won gold medal of Asian Games 2 times with Indian team. Srijesh played 4 Olympic Games for India (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) winning bronze twice.
Srijesh, who was the FIH Best Goalkeeper of the Year for 2 consecutive years, was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. He also won the India's Best Goalkeeper of the Year award three times. After the retirement of Padmashri and Arjuna Awardee Srijesh, the Indian hockey team will be missing a great goalkeeper for many years as it will be quite difficult for any other player to reach the level of this legendary goalkeeper.
Achievements of PR Srijesh
FIH Best Goalkeeper of the Year: 2020-21
FIH Best Goalkeeper of the Year: 2021-22
Hockey India Baljeet Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year: 2014, 2021 and
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: 2021
Padma Shri Awards: 2017
Arjuna Award: 2015
Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year (Men): 2015.