Former Indian cricket team player and coach Ravi Shastri, along with Argentina’s official football account, have praised Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Sreejesh performed exceptionally well against Great Britain in the quarterfinal match at the Paris Olympics.
After a 1-1 draw, Sreejesh shone in the penalty shootout, saving two crucial penalties and securing a 4-2 victory for India.
Ravi Shastri praised Sreejesh’s performance under pressure, saying, “Not a game for the faint-hearted. What character to defend with 10 men for that long. @16Sreejesh, You beauty.”
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also praised Sreejesh, comparing him to their goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who was important in leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Sreejesh in penalty
The 36-year-old Sreejesh made a decisive save against Philip Roper and watched Connor Williamson’s shot sail over the bar. His contribution was crucial for the team’s victory. Additionally, the Indian players converted all their penalty shots flawlessly.
Sreejesh to retire after Olympics
PR Sreejesh has already confirmed that he’ll be retiring from professional hockey after the Olympic games. Sreejesh joined the Junior national team in 2004, playing against Australia in Perth. He then made his senior national team debut in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo.