Hours before his final match, celebrated Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh reflected on his “extraordinary” international career and expressed gratitude to his supporters. The 36-year-old from Kerala will play his last match for India in the bronze medal playoff against Spain at the Paris Olympics 2024.
In a heartfelt message posted on ‘X’, Sreejesh wrote:
As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive,… pic.twitter.com/pMPtLRVfS0
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 8, 2024
“As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India’s honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
He added, “Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories. Forever a custodian of dreams.”
Career Highlights
– Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Played a key role in securing a bronze medal for India.
– 2006 South Asian Games: Made his debut.
– 2014 Asian Games: Won gold.
– 2018 Asian Games: Secured bronze.
– 2018 Asian Champions Trophy: Part of the winning team.
– 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals: Champion team in Bhubaneswar.
Sreejesh has been instrumental throughout the Paris Olympics, including notable saves in the quarterfinal shoot-out against Great Britain, helping India advance to the semifinals. His retirement marks the end of an illustrious 18-year career, filled with significant achievements and memorable moments.
