Sreejesh showcased his distinctive abilities in his closing match for India, contributing to a 2-1 victory over Spain.
The Indian Men’s National Hockey Team is famend as probably the most profitable groups on the planet. With a outstanding file of eight Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1980, Indian Men’s Hockey has additionally achieved the spectacular feat of successful six gold medals in a row. Throughout the many years, Indian Hockey has been a breeding floor for among the biggest gamers within the historical past of the game, together with legends reminiscent of Dhyan Chand, Dhanraj Pillay, Balbir Singh Sr., Shankar Lakshman, Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, and lots of extra. Additionally, the Indian Hockey group has clinched the Asian Games title 5 instances and the Asia Cup thrice.
Currently, the Men’s Hockey group boasts an spectacular tally of 29 official worldwide titles, solidifying India’s esteemed place within the realm of world hockey.
On August 8, 2024, the Indian Hockey Team showcased their prowess within the bronze medal match on the Paris 2024 Olympics in opposition to Spain, rising victorious with a rating of 2-1.
While your complete Men’s Hockey Team has exhibited distinctive efficiency, it’s Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh who has been a standout participant for the reason that graduation of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sreejesh’s outstanding efficiency as a goalkeeper for India on the 2024 Olympics has earned him the moniker of “Jumping Jack.”
Who is PR Sreejesh?
Sreejesh was born on May 8, 1988, within the picturesque village of Kizhakkambalam, situated within the Ernakulam district of Kerala. He was born right into a household of farmers, to oldsters P. V. Raveendran and Usha. Sreejesh acquired his major training at St. Antony’s Lower Primary School in Kizhakkambalam, and continued his research as much as the sixth customary at St. Joseph’s High School in the identical village.
During his early life, Sreejesh initially skilled as a sprinter, earlier than transitioning to lengthy soar and volleyball. It was on the age of 12 that he enrolled on the GV Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram, the place his coach acknowledged his potential as a goalkeeper. Under the steering of his coach, Sreejesh honed his abilities and finally turned skilled after being scouted by hockey coach Jayakumar on the faculty.
Sreejesh’s expertise and dedication led him to signify his faculty group earlier than making his mark on the Nehru Cup. He continued to excel in his educational pursuits as properly, incomes a level in History from Sree Narayana College in Kollam, Kerala.
In an outdated interview with the Hindustan Times, PR Sreejesh mentioned his option to pursue a career as a goalkeeper. The proficient goalkeeper candidly admitted that he was not significantly keen on operating, which led him to gravitate in direction of a place that required a special set of abilities in comparison with outfield gamers. Reflecting on the tasks of a goalkeeper, Sreejesh emphasised the significance of possessing a sure stage of depth and intimidation. He additionally highlighted the need of fast reflexes and a proactive method to use stress on opponents.
Professional career
Sreejesh’s journey on the planet of subject hockey started in 2004 when he earned a spot on the Junior nationwide group throughout a match in opposition to Australia in Perth. Two years later, he made his debut within the senior nationwide group on the South Asian Games in Colombo. His distinctive abilities and dedication to the game have been acknowledged when he was named the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ following India’s victory on the 2008 Junior Asia Cup.
One of Sreejesh’s most memorable moments got here on the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, the place he performed a vital function in India’s gold medal win by saving two penalty strokes in opposition to Pakistan within the closing. His management qualities have been additional acknowledged when he was appointed because the Captain of the Indian hockey group on 13 July 2016, succeeding Sardar Singh. Under his captaincy, the group reached the quarterfinals on the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Sreejesh continued to shine on the worldwide stage on the Tokyo Olympics on 5 August 2021, the place he performed a pivotal function in India’s victory over Germany to safe the bronze medal, marking India’s first Olympic medal in subject hockey in 41 years.
Also learn| Indian males’s hockey group clinch bronze at Paris Olympics 2024, beat Spain 2-1
