"One last medal?" - Fans react as PR Sreejesh announces international retirement after Paris Olympics 2024
Veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh announced his retirement from international hockey on Monday (July 22) and said that the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 will be his final tournament with the national team.
Fans on social media rushed to congratulate the legendary Indian goalkeeper on his much-deserved retirement.
One fan on X spoke everyone’s mind, writing:
“You have been a great player Sreejesh.. Watched you all these years… You were one of the best Hockey players India ever produced.. All the best for the next inning…”
Another fan posted the iconic photogram of Sreejesh atop the goalpost at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, where he was a part of the Indian hockey team which brought home a bronze medal – breaking a 41-year trophy drought for the country.
The fan wrote:
“You go champion! This picture will always be cherished in Indian hockey.”
One fan urged PR Sreejesh to crown his final appearance at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a medal.
“Thanks champion. One last medal?” the fan posted.
One fan asked PR Sreejesh to help guide the youngsters coming through in Indian hockey with his experience at the top of the game.
“A big thank you for your dedication, quality of play and being a role model for young players. Please write a memoir to guide youngsters of today,” the fan commented.
‘Win it for Sreejesh’ - Harmanpreet Singh after the retirement announcement
After his retirement announcement, PR Sreejesh’s teammates rushed to congratulate him on his stellar career. Wishes poured in from all quarters.
“Paris 2024 will indeed be a special tournament. We have decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend PR Sreejesh,” Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh was quoted as saying by Hockey India.
“He has been an inspiration for all of us and I still remember his mentorship in 2016 Junior World Cup when we lifted the title. It was the beginning of many of our careers in International hockey and he has shaped each one of our careers in his own way,” he continued.
“We want to 'Win it for Sreejesh' and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again.”
Hockey India’s president Dilip Tirkey also congratulated PR Sreejesh after the latter announced his retirement.
“This outing in Paris will certainly be a special one for the team. I believe Sreejesh's decision will only encourage the team further to stand on the podium yet again and make it truly special not just for Sreejesh but for the entire hockey fraternity,” Tirkey was quoted as saying by Hockey India.