Third could be the first

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Pic/Hockey India

Competing in his third straight and possibly his last Olympics, Indian hockey team's seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh says he has made a lot of sacrifices and wants to make them count at all cost in Tokyo.

In the upcoming Olympics starting from July 23, eight-time champions India will look to break their over four-decade-long podium jinx at the Games.

Away from family

Since making his senior team debut in 2006, Sreejesh had only one dream in sight - to become an Olympic medallist. On the personal front, Sreejesh, 35, regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and a former India captain, said it was mentally tough for him to stay away from his family for so long amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: PR Sreejesh appointed FIH Athletes' Committee member

"When you make these sort of sacrifices, I always try to put a question mark after that, like why am I staying away from my kids, my family? But I know the answer.
"We have a very good history in hockey and when I look back into my own career, I know I do have a lot of FIH medals, I have medals almost in every tournament but not one in World Cup or Olympics," Sreejesh said.

‘Could be my last Olympics'

"It can be my last Olympic Games so, for me, it's about what more I can achieve as an athlete, what I can get from this Olympics? That can only be a medal. That's a dream and that is helping me to sacrifice everything.

"This is what is giving me extra energy. This is what is helping us to wake up from our bed every morning and work hard. This is a dream I have been living for the last 15 years and willing to do so for the next 15 years," he added.

After the Tokyo Games was postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the Indian team were confined to the four walls of the SAI centre in Bangalore.

Also Read: Keen on pursuing HI Coaches Education Pathway, says Sreejesh

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