Interview/ P.R. Sreejesh, two-time Olympic bronze medallist
To have your jersey number retired from the sport is an honour few receive. P.R. Sreejesh is among those few. But then, the former India hockey captain has always been unique―he comes from Kerala, a state that doesn’t have a rich hockey heritage, and retires as arguably its most famous son in the sporting arena.
Going out on a high―he sat atop the goal as his teammates bowed to him after winning the bronze at the Paris Olympics―Sreejesh leaves big shoes to fill. Fortunately for Indian hockey, the veteran goalkeeper wants to stay with the sport, and could even take on the role of the junior national team coach in a few months. In an interview with THE WEEK, Sreejesh talks about Paris, his jersey, future plans and who he wants to play him in a potential biopic. Excerpts:
Q A two-time Olympic bronze medallist, freshly retired and perhaps the next coach of the junior national team. How are you feeling?
A It is a fantastic farewell for me because, after such a great career, I could not have imagined a better setup than this. Finishing on the podium in my last Olympics and getting a great farewell from Hockey India. Everything led up in the perfect way.
Q Back-to-back bronze medals is a great achievement. Do you think this could be a return to the glory days that India once had? Or do you think that kind of dominance cannot be replicated because the top seven-eight teams are neck-and-neck in terms of quality?
A I think we are back to the glory days. When you look at [the current] scenario―back-to-back medals and finishing in the top three―it gives a lot of hope. For every sportsperson, winning an Olympic medal is a big thing. And we are showing them that if you play hockey, you can achieve this.
As you mentioned, the top eight teams are good enough to win a medal in the Olympics. But [it depends on] who gets the advantage on that particular day. I believe that these medals will help us dream bigger.
P.R. Sreejesh | Reuters
Q What were the emotions in the dressing room after you defended the medal in Paris?
A The team was happy because we were going home with a medal. But we were also disappointed because, when we were preparing for this Olympics, [we had it in] our minds that this time we are going to change the colour of that medal. And we had a great opportunity. But, unfortunately, we missed it.
But still, I am so proud of my teammates because they bounced back in a day. On the podium, you can see that the gold and bronze medallists are happier than the silver medallist because the silver medallist always receives that medal after losing a match. So, the team was happy. Because yes, we are continuing our journey of coming back home with a bronze medal.
Q Jersey number 16 has been retired and is now part of Indian hockey’s legacy. How does that feel?
A It is a great honour. Like when the BCCI retired Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey, M.S. Dhoni’s jersey. After those two legends, it is my number getting retired. What more you can expect from a federation? I think my name will stay as long as hockey is there. Because people will always ask why 16 is not there. So, there will be a story behind that and people will always remember me.
Q Looking to the future, the Hockey India League is returning after eight years. How do you think that will help hockey in India? And could we see you being associated with it in any capacity, as a coach or as a player?
A I requested Hockey India to put my name in as a player. Because it is only one or two months. So, I will be fit enough to play. But it depends on the contract I may sign in the future. If I get the job of looking after the juniors, it might be different.
Definitely, I will be part of the Hockey India League [in some way]. Because HIL is a wonderful platform for youngsters to come out and play in front of thousands of people and [try and] get a place in the senior or junior squad.
Q If you do take up the job as coach, would you be reaching out to your own coaches? Someone like Craig Fulton or an Indian like V. Baskaran?
A I do need support from them to get some sort of advice on how to handle some players or how to manage some situations. Because that is the one place I am a bit inexperienced in. But in terms of the other strategies, I think I might do my own thing. I always believe that you should have your own plans, rather than relying on someone. That is because you have the authority to update or change the plans according to the situation, according to the players you have.
Q Going back to Paris once again. Amit Rohidas was sent off in the match against Great Britain. What was the team talk like?
A We are always ready for whatever is going to happen on the field. Umpires can sometimes play a crucial role, too. Or the weather can be a factor in your performance. We had prepared for it. But yes, playing with 10 men in the quarterfinal of the Olympics was tough. And playing without one player in the semifinal is tougher than you can imagine. But I think sometimes, being a player, you should be more responsible of your actions on the field. That was not a deliberate fault. But it is in the rule book.
I think everything happens for a good reason. We learn something. I think that in the coming years, the players might take this as a [lesson].
Q So, before the next chapter officially begins, what will a regular day in Sreejesh’s life be like?
A My life is going to be normal. So, I [might] go for a jog in the morning or to the gym. Then I will spend the day with my parents. In the evenings, I want to spend time with my kids. Play some games with them. Or watch a movie together. Go shopping. And I will also try to get some more sleep.
Q We heard that Neeraj Chopra was going to be the flagbearer for the closing ceremony in Paris, but he suggested your name instead. What is your equation with him?
A Neeraj Chopra is like a little brother to me. He is one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. He comes and talks to everyone, even the junior players, and wishes them luck. He is such a great personality.
When I got this offer, I said, no, Neeraj should be the one who should carry the flag. Because he was the deserving one. You know, track and field. One gold medal and one silver. That is unbelievable for Indians. But his words are more powerful than his performance. He said, “Sree bhai, you have done a wonderful job for our country for the last 20 years.” I was like, “Brother, you are great.”
Q Ever thought of a biopic? If so, do you have an actor in mind?
A If someone comes [with such an idea], I am okay with that. Of all the actors, I think three of them are really good for me. Tovino Thomas, Prithviraj or Dulquer Salmaan. Because these guys are fitness-freaks. They are in good shape. When you are doing a biopic of a sportsperson, you need to be really physically fit. And scenarios, I think my life itself is more than a big story. So, you will get content from my lifetime to produce two movies.
Q Lastly, what is your advice for someone like Krishan Pathak or Suraj Karkera, the goalkeepers who are going to try to fill your shoes?
A I always talk to them. They have been with me for the past eight years. And we used to have good, healthy competition. We used to teach each other, guide each other. There was a very good rapport. The best thing for them is to take their time. Because you cannot become better than Sreejesh overnight. Failure will be there, for sure. Sometimes people or the media will fire against you, that is for sure. But just trust yourself, keep working hard. And they are really good goalkeepers. Pathak, Suraj, even Mohith, the junior one. They will perform well, but they need time.