PANAJI: Hockey team goalkeeper P R Sreejesh played a huge role in India’s historic bronze-medal winning campaign at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. One of the legends of Indian hockey, the 33-year-old goalie from Ernakulam-Kerala displayed marvellous composure as he protected the goal in the nervy dying seconds of the 5-4 victory over Germany on Thursday morning, guiding India to the bronze medal playoff triumph.
Rajan Mathew, Associate Professor & Director of Physical Education at Government College-Quepem, got to chat with the Man of the moment Sreejesh, few years back. Speaking to livenewsgoa.com, Rajan Mathew paid tribute to the humility of the fantastic servant of Indian hockey.
“I had an opportunity to meet him at Chandigarh in the year 2017 at the Hockey India league. Down to earth gentleman, and a smiling face; I got an opportunity to have a click, which I will cherish always. One of the best goalkeepers, India has produced. No doubt, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Rajan Mathew.
Analysing the playoff, the experienced college sports director Rajan Mathew hailed the team management.
Writes Rajan Mathew: “Sreejesh – the man who stood as a wall till the last minute, helped India to win bronze medal in Tokyo – an Olympic medal after a long 41-year wait.
“Full marks to the entire team mangement. No one was born from this team when India won (their last) Gold medal at Moscow Olympic in the year 1980. The pandemic did India team more good than harm as they were in bubble most of the time and worked very hard. Around 10 members of the team played for the first time in the Olympics. With few seniors along with the youngsters, made the team more versatile. Full marks to the coaching staff for keeping the entire team on their toes, in the hot and humid conditions in Tokyo. Believe me it’s not easy.
“After losing the semi-final, the team was up with Germany team, which plays physical game. After being down by two goals (1-3) and to come back and win 5-4 was incredible. The turning point was the way Indian team played last quarter with a two-goal lead. It always gives psychological edge. And the team trailing will be bound to make errors.
“In my opinion, goalkeeper Sreejesh was the man-of-the match. In fact, he played a very important role as the last man in defence, crucial saves he made and didn’t allow the Germans to take lead once India were on the top. Also saving the last minute’s Penalty corner. This time, the team had left with determination. They believed in themselves right from the beginning that they can get a medal. With the right mindset, they landed in Tokyo.
“The victory will definitely help Indian sports scene. Many youngsters will be passionate to play sports with right motivation and direction from the authority. I am sure many more sportspersons will be motivated to take up sports. For sportspersons when representing the country, they require full support of their countrymen. When the Prime Minister talks to the entire team and wishes the team the previous day of the match motivating them, Wow! Nothing is better than that. Jai Hind.”
