The tag is more a responsibility than pressure: PR Sreejesh on being called the ‘Wall of India’
Indian hockey team’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been instrumental in several of the team’s achievements. The veteran made his debut for the senior national team in 2006 and has had a monumental influence on the side.
The 36-year-old will don the Indian colors in his fourth Olympic Games appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Padma Shri awardee has often been referred to as the ‘Wall of India’ given his heroics guarding the goal.
Speaking on the same, PR Sreejesh feels the credit goes to his team for backing him at all times.
“The tag is more a responsibility than pressure. It means I must minimize mistakes because any error by the goalkeeper is visible on the scoreboard. While perfection is the goal, I am human and do make mistakes,” Sreejesh told Jio Cinema.
"However, I have a good team to cover my mistakes if I concede a goal, my forwards are ready to score, and my defenders always help me improve. It’s a team effort where each member backs the other," he added.
"We need to have that belief in our potential to win medals" - PR Sreejesh
PR Sreejesh is a strong believer in 'playing to win.' The star goalkeeper feels mere participation does not warrant success on the big stage. He believes it is the collective dream fuelled by hard work that is paramount.
“We need to have that belief in our potential to win medals. If our mindset is only about participation, we’ll remain just participants. But when we start dreaming about winning a medal, that’s when every player will believe in himself and the team and believe that we deserve to be on the podium,” said Sreejesh.
Sreejesh is confident about the mix of youth and experience in the Indian squad and believes that could play an instrumental factor in Paris. India will start their campaign with an opener against New Zealand on July 27.
“What sets this team apart is the mix of 11 members from the last Olympics, who have medal-winning experience, and the newer players who have been training with us for years. This blend of experienced players and young talent will be our strength in this tournament as we need to have fresh legs to carry you throughout this tournament," Sreejesh concluded.