PR Sreejesh’s illustrious career has been intertwined with the resurgence of Indian men’s hockey. After the team’s dismal failure to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sreejesh emerged as a beacon of hope during a tumultuous period.
London 2012: A Disappointing Debut
Sreejesh’s Olympic debut in London 2012 proved to be a bitter disappointment. India lost all their group stage matches, finishing bottom of the pile with a dismal goal difference of -11. The team’s struggles were evident, and the future seemed bleak.
Rio 2016: A Glimmer of Hope
Following the London debacle, Sreejesh became a pivotal figure in the Indian dressing room. The team’s fortunes improved, winning the Asian Games gold medal in 2014 and a bronze medal at the 2015 FIH Hockey World League Final. Sreejesh was appointed captain ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, where India recorded two group stage wins and reached the quarterfinals.
Tokyo 2020: A Historic Triumph
India entered the Tokyo Olympics with high expectations but also a history of underperformance. A 7-1 thrashing by Australia in their opening match raised concerns. However, the team rallied, winning all their subsequent group stage matches. Sreejesh’s leadership and vocal presence were instrumental in India’s resurgence.
In the semifinals, India faced eventual gold medallists Belgium and lost. But in the bronze medal match against Germany, the team displayed remarkable resilience, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win 5-4. Sreejesh’s Olympic dream was finally realized, and Indian hockey fans celebrated their first Olympic medal since 1980.
