New Delhi: Veteran goalkeeper and ex-captain of India’s hockey team, P R Sreejesh, declared on Monday that the Paris Olympics will mark his final appearance internationally.
The 36-year-old, who boasts 328 international caps, participation in three Olympic Games, and numerous Commonwealth Games and World Cups, is set to compete in his fourth Olympics.
The upcoming edition of this prestigious event kicks off on July 26. “As I gear up for my final performance in Paris, I reflect on my career with great pride and look to the future with hope,” stated Sreejesh in a Hockey India press release.
“This extraordinary journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support and love from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. I am deeply thankful for your faith in me,” he continued.
“My teammates have been my pillar during both challenging and passionate moments. Our collective goal in Paris is to excel and aspire to alter the medal’s hue.” Sreejesh, who debuted at the 2010 World Cup, has contributed to India’s significant victories, including the 2014 Asian Games gold and the 2018 Asian Games bronze in Jakarta-Palembang.
He also played a key role in the team that clinched the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and was part of the victorious 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals team in Bhubaneswar.