Sreejesh bids adieu! Celebrating the end of an era in Indian hockey

When P.R. Sreejesh embarked on his final Olympic journey with the Indian hockey team in Paris, he carried three specially engraved sticks as part of his kit. One bore his wife's name, while the other two were inscribed with the names of his two children.

It was the stick engraved with the name ‘Aneeshya' that he chose for the unforgettable quarterfinal match against England, a game that India won 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The victory was largely attributed to the steadfast defense of the Kerala goalkeeper, who bid farewell to the sport last week.

He had three sticks for the Paris games...One for penalty shootout and two for regular games. For regular matches, he used the sticks with our kids' names Anushree and Sreeansh written on them," Aneeshya shared with PTI Bhasha, as she marked her husband's perfect retirement with the team securing a second consecutive bronze medal last Thursday. While she is pleased that her husband will now have more time at home, the devoted fan in her mourns the absence of Sreejesh's inspiring presence at the goalpost for Indian hockey.

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Sreejesh's journey has been a remarkable tapestry woven with unforgettable moments, extraordinary skill, and unwavering dedication. It was only fitting that he was honored with a historic farewell ceremony on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian hockey player to receive such a tribute.

The event was marked by the presence of hockey legends, including former captains Sardar Singh, Dilip Tirkey, and Mir Ranjan Negi, as well as former coach Harendra Singh. The entire Indian bronze-winning team also attended, all dressed in identical red jerseys emblazoned with Sreejesh's name and number. Each speaker at the ceremony used words like inspiring, motivating, legendary, hardworking, and relentless to underscore Sreejesh's exceptional skill, total commitment, and the camaraderie he fostered within the team.

Sardar recalled, "He set an example for the younger generation. In my ten years of experience, I have never seen him take a rest. He was always on the field, never resting. His dedication has inspired many."

Sreejesh's ambitions were lofty from the outset. At a time when the Indian team languished outside the top 20, a young Sreejesh dreamed of reaching the pinnacle. "Sree always said, 'Machaa, we are ranked 17-18; we need to become number one.' He faced numerous difficulties and setbacks, moments when it seemed quitting would be easier, but he never wavered," Sardar added.

The journey was not without its trials. Sreejesh faced significant challenges, including being dropped from the team after periods of underperformance. Yet, his resilience remained steadfast. "Had it been any other player, they might have left the sport around 2009-10. But Sree doesn't give up easily. He struggled day and night, and even when not selected, he continued to work tirelessly," said Harendra, who introduced Sreejesh to the national camp.

"There is no greater legend in modern hockey than Sreejesh. He has been the best motivator and has performed the often thankless role of a goalkeeper with remarkable dedication," he added.

A true patriot, Sreejesh's spirit shone brightly before the bronze medal match in Paris. He told captain Harmanpreet Singh, "Macha, the hockey our team played today (in the semifinal against Germany) and the love we have received is monumental. We have the perfect chance to restore hockey to its former glory." The team went on to secure back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics, fulfilling Sreejesh's vision.

Dilip Tirkey, president of Hockey India, emphasized, "There is no better legend of modern hockey than Sreejesh. He has been the best motivator and has performed the often thankless role of goalkeeping for so long."

As the last line of defense, Sreejesh continually inspired his defenders to elevate their performance. Midfielder Manpreet Singh described him as a guiding force, saying, "He has been like an elder brother to me. He always guided me from behind, and I appreciated that."
"I would ask him to keep talking to me from behind because it gave me confidence, knowing that Sree was backing me up. He has inspired so many and taught us countless lessons," Manpreet added.

Coach Craig Fulton highlighted that Sreejesh's success was not solely due to his natural talent. "Despite his innate ability, Sreejesh had a robust work ethic. He continually sought to improve his skills," Fulton noted.

"He has been immense for us. As a person, he wears his heart on his sleeve, which is a beautiful trait. As a player, he had the talent and skill, but he never rested on his laurels. To stay at the top of goalkeeping requires constant improvement, and Sreejesh epitomized this," Fulton concluded.

Sreejesh's career, marked by dedication, resilience, and exemplary leadership, has left an indelible mark on Indian hockey. His legacy will endure, celebrated not only for his achievements on the field but also for the inspiration and passion he brought to the sport.

(With quotes from PTI)