Transition from India to Bharat is going to be really challenging, says Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh

PR Sreejesh, the Indian men’s hockey goalkeeper, said on Tuesday that the “Bharat” has always been there and that the transition from India to Bharat will be difficult.

His remarks come amid the India-Bharat spat. President Draupadi Murmu’s invitations to heads of state, governments, and Chief Ministers of States for an official banquet during the G20 Summit in New Delhi sparked controversy since the name “India” was replaced with “Bharat.”

Instead of the traditional “President of the Republic of India,” the name “Bharat” was used, sparking skepticism among political circles, particularly among members of the Opposition INDIA coalition.

Reacting to the development and informing the media about his stance, Sreejesh said, “That is a new question for me because I never felt it like that because we always say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.

“So Bharat is always there. Now, instead of India, you are writing Bharat. I think for me, it is going to be a little strange because you are used to this word. You have been carrying this word for so many years. But for youngsters, I think that is going to be a new experience and they will be okay with that. But yes, a transition from India to Bharat is going to be really challenging.”