Indian Hockey can aim for gold in next Olympics: Sreejesh

Patna, Sept 6: Riding high on the success of winning a bronze medal in Paris — ending a four-decade-long dry spell — the Indian hockey team now aims to build on this momentum with hopes of clinching gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, ace goalkeeper P R Sreejesh said on Friday.

The former national team captain, who announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics, told journalists in the Bihar capital that he saw the state as the future “sports hub”.

“I see many positive developments in Bihar, particularly at the sports complex in Rajgir, which now features an astro turf and will host the women’s Asian Cup Trophy tournament later this year,” Sreejesh remarked.

He added, “I see no reason why Bihar cannot emerge as the country’s next sports hub. I have met sports department officials here and found many initiatives, like establishment of a sports university, quite impressive”.

Sreejesh, who has taken up a new assignment as the coach for the junior men’s hockey team, said he had set his eyes on the next Asia Cup and revealed that he was drawing inspiration from former cricket team captain Rahul Dravid.

After a successful playing career, Dravid, known as “The Wall” for his steadfast batting, has made significant contributions as head coach of the Indian cricket team, helping it to new heights.

Sreejesh broke into a wide grin that like his idol, his own skills earned him the sobriquet “The Great Wall of Indian Hockey”.

At 36, Sreejesh reminisced about his experiences at the Paris Olympics and expressed hope that the national team would “revive the old glory of Indian hockey” by aiming for gold in Los Angeles and performing well in tournaments leading up to the 2028 Games.

“We have a very talented team. Krishan Pathak, who has succeeded me, is an excellent goalkeeper,” Sreejesh said, highlighting the importance of managing pressure and taking time to unwind between games.

A fan of Harry Potter, Sreejesh confessed that his love for fiction has provided him with a means of escape from the intense pressures of competitive sports, helping him navigate the challenges of his demanding career. (PTI)

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Oppn slams PM Modi over US tariff

New Delhi, Apr 3: The Congress and other opposition...

Govt tables Waqf bill in RS; Won’t snatch Muslims’ rights, says Rijiju

New Delhi, Apr 3: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren...

Every citizen equally important: Conrad

CM recalls contributions of Karbi leaders in statehood movement   Shillong,...

New Waqf Act beneficial for tribals: State BJP

Shillong, Apr 3: The state BJP has welcomed the...

Proposed coke plant draws flak in EJ Hills  

Dorbar, KSU demand cancellation of ‘consent to establish’   Shillong, Apr...

All-party committee to study demand for winter capital

Shillong, Apr 3: In a step further towards recognising...

NHRC intervenes in Assam journalist’s arrest, seeks report from police chief

Guwahati, April 3: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img