PR Sreejesh’s Last Stand: Indian Hockey Legend to Retire After Paris Olympics 2024
Paris [France], July 24: Legendary hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is preparing for his final international tournament at the Paris Olympics 2024. Sreejesh shared a touching picture of his first-ever jersey alongside his Paris Olympics shirt, reflecting on his 24-year journey in the sport.
The 36-year-old announced that the Paris Olympics would be his last international outing for India. This decision has inspired the Indian National Team to start the ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ campaign, encouraging global hockey fans to support the team in their quest for a podium finish.
On Instagram, Sreejesh wrote, ‘My first jersey… & …. My last one 24 years of journey..#gvrajasportsschool The one as a kid in 2000 ….. and The one after 24 years #the #first #thing #I #packed #from #my #home #for #this #olympicgames #paris #paris2024.’
A veteran of 328 international caps, Sreejesh has participated in three Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups. He will be playing his fourth Olympic Games in Paris. Sreejesh debuted at the 2010 World Cup and has been part of many memorable wins for India, including a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Sreejesh has received numerous accolades, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021. He has also won back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.
‘As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me,’ expressed PR Sreejesh in a press release confirming his retirement. He added that he had discussed his decision to retire post-Olympics with his team, who have supported him through tough times. ‘We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the colour of our medal,’ he said.
Doubts Revealed
PR Sreejesh -: PR Sreejesh is a famous Indian hockey player who plays as a goalkeeper. He has been part of the Indian national team for many years.
Paris Olympics 2024 -: The Paris Olympics 2024 is a big sports event where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports. It will be held in Paris, France in the year 2024.
International tournament -: An international tournament is a sports competition where teams or players from different countries compete against each other.
Jerseys -: Jerseys are the shirts that players wear when they play sports. They often have the player’s name and number on them.
Indian National Team -: The Indian National Team is the team that represents India in international sports competitions.
328 international caps -: Having 328 international caps means that PR Sreejesh has played in 328 international matches for India.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award -: The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sports honor in India. It is given to athletes for their outstanding performance in sports.
Gratitude -: Gratitude means being thankful and showing appreciation for the help and support one has received.