Throughout his distinguished 18-year international career, PR Sreejesh has amassed more than 100 medals, including several golds from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Champions Trophy. However, he views the bronze medal won at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago as his most significant and prized accomplishment, outweighing all other honors.
At 36, Sreejesh is set to become the first Indian goalkeeper and the third person from Kerala, joining the ranks of PT Usha and Shiny Wilson, to compete in four Olympic Games. Although he is eager to improve upon their Tokyo performance, the Khel Ratna awardee admits that doing so will be a formidable challenge.
Sreejesh stated that India is a strong contender for a medal and capable of defeating any opponent in the world. However, he pointed out that because the skill gap between the top six teams is so small, victory comes down to who performs best on the day. He believes that consistent, high-level play could lead to a better medal than the bronze they earned in Tokyo.
The athlete, who has been named FIH's Best Keeper twice, is confident that the Indian team traveling to Paris is far more prepared than the squad that went to Tokyo.
Reflecting on the past, Sreejesh noted that the pandemic severely disrupted their training and limited their match experience before Tokyo. In contrast, this cycle included a trip to Australia and 16 Pro League matches. He highlighted that while five players are Olympic debutants, their experience facing world-class clubs in the Pro League has familiarized them with elite strategies, which will be a decisive advantage in Paris.
Having played under numerous coaches, Sreejesh spoke highly of Craig Fulton's leadership. He noted that Fulton's background as a player gives him a deep understanding of athlete psychology, and his previous experience with teams like Belgium is a huge asset. Sreejesh added that Fulton encourages players to be expressive on the field, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Concluding his thoughts, the veteran keeper mentioned that his age has brought both experience and confidence, noting that goalkeepers typically improve as they mature. He feels he is a more capable keeper now than he was three years ago. As the most senior player in the group, Sreejesh's responsibilities now extend far beyond just guarding the net.