India’s star goalkeeper, P.R. Sreejesh, announced his retirement from international hockey on Thursday, marking the occasion with a fitting end – a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. After securing the victory against Spain in the bronze-medal match with a score of 2-1, Sreejesh expressed his contentment, stating that this was the ideal way to conclude his journey in international hockey. He extended his gratitude to his teammates, the hockey staff, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for contributing to a memorable tournament.
Sreejesh, who boasts a remarkable 336 international caps, hinted at his retirement plans before the game, suggesting that he was aiming to leave a lasting impact. He acknowledged that while the Tokyo Olympics bronze holds a special place in his heart, the Paris medal stands as a testament to India’s ability to achieve Olympic success. “Tokyo has a different space in my heart because that gave us the confidence that we could actually win a medal at the Olympic Games,” he said. Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey, leaving behind a legacy of incredible talent and unwavering dedication. His contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
