Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his admiration to Indian Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh for organizing a memorable farewell for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Sreejesh, who has announced that the Paris Olympics will be his final tournament for India, ended his illustrious career on a high note with the Indian hockey team securing their second consecutive bronze medal.
India clinched the bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1 in the match, marking their second successive Olympic hockey medal after a gap of 52 years. Following the Games, PM Modi hosted the entire Indian contingent at his residence in Delhi, where he discussed Sreejesh’s retirement. In his conversation with PM Modi, Sreejesh revealed his retirement decision was influenced by his desire to end his career on a prestigious platform like the Olympics, where sports are celebrated globally. “I was thinking about it for a few years. Even my team members were asking when I would retire,” Sreejesh said. “But I thought retiring on such a grand stage as the Olympics is the best decision.”
PM Modi praised Harmanpreet Singh, referring to him as “Sarpanch sahab,” for the heartfelt farewell organized for Sreejesh. “I must say that the team will miss you for sure. However, the way the team gave you farewell, I appreciate them. Sarpanch sahab (Harmanpreet Singh) did great,” Modi remarked.
Sreejesh expressed his gratitude towards his teammates for their support and the emotional gesture at the podium. Reflecting on the bronze medal match, he shared, “We could only dream about it because it was hard for us when we lost the semi-final. Our goal was to play in the final and win gold, but after losing the semi-final, everyone said we need to win the bronze for Sree bhai. It’s the proudest moment for me to have achieved this with my teammates and to have thanked them from the podium.”
Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of a significant era in Indian hockey, but his legacy and contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.
