<p>PR Sreejesh, a veteran Indian goalkeeper, stated on Saturday that a lot will rely on his fitness and performance in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.</p>

<p>For his performance in India's historic bronze medal-winning accomplishment at the Tokyo Olympics, the 33-year-old from Kerala was recently awarded the best goalie title in the men's area at the FIH annual awards.</p>

<p>"No&nbsp;player&nbsp;will&nbsp;say&nbsp;no&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;Olympics,&nbsp;we&nbsp;are&nbsp;greedy&nbsp;people,"&nbsp;Sreejesh&nbsp;remarked&nbsp;when&nbsp;asked&nbsp;if&nbsp;he&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;competing&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;Olympics. "The motivation will always be to work hard and give best."</p>

<p>"I have had a career of 21 years. So I will always want to play one more match, one more Olympics so as long as my team members don't kick me out, I will stay in the team for sure," he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> has done it!<br />
<br />
They overcome a two-goal deficit against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> to win their first Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hockey</a> medal since 1980!<a href="https://twitter.com/FIH_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fih_hockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WeAreTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/WAj5vVvHBu">pic.twitter.com/WAj5vVvHBu</a></p>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1423121908057391104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He went on to say at the India Today conference, "But nothing is certain in a sportsperson's life. There can be an injury, performance can go down, others can do better than me."</p>

<p>Sreejesh's former teammates Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil had recently retired following a successful Olympic campaign to pave the way for the youngsters.</p>

<p>When India skipper Manpreet Singh was asked the same question, the captain said: "He is going to Paris from our side. Sreejesh is the best goalkeeper, so we would want him to be there at the goal. We have the confidence in him but rest depends on his fitness and other things."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-india-withdraws-from-2022-birmingham-cwg-cites-covid-concerns-discriminatory-quarantine-rules-418432"><strong>Hockey India withdraws from 2022 Birmingham CWG; cites Covid concerns, discriminatory quarantine rules</strong></a></p>

<p>Sreejesh, who has demonstrated the capacity to improve over time, believes that both the men's and women's teams will finish on the podium in the 2024 Games, but that the path ahead will be more difficult.</p>

<p>"The motivation will always be there to change the color of the medal in Paris. But the road is not easy. We had won a medal 41 years ago and after that Indians sent us to Olympics with a lot of expectations."</p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"Now that we have proved we can win, the expectations will be higher when we go to Paris. But it won't be easy, it doesn't happen overnight."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"The women's team was unlucky to miss out this time but definitely I am confident that both teams will finish at the podium in Paris."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">In the dying seconds of the bronze medal match against Germany in Tokyo, Sreejesh made a spectacular save.</span></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hockey</a><br />
Men's Hockey Bronze Medal Results<br />
<br />
India, have <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bronze?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bronze</a> Day today!<br />
The medal days are back as the Indian Men's Hockey team bring back home our first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> Hockey medal in 41 years. Bravo boys🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RukengeNahi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RukengeNahi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EkIndiaTeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EkIndiaTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/5AXEaF1EYZ">pic.twitter.com/5AXEaF1EYZ</a></p>
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia/status/1423123911550504962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He remarked, recalling those six seconds:&nbsp;"When we got that PC, our reaction was like what will happen now, there was a chance that it can slip away but there was not much time to think. We had to defend. I was planning my defensive structure looking at the opposition."</p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"As a goalkeeper I had my own things, to focus and I was just thinking that I have been playing for so many years, so I just have to save this one."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">While the men's team earned a medal, the women's team came up just short, placing fourth after losing 3-4 in the bronze-play play-off against reigning champions Great Britain.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">Rani, the captain of the Indian women's team, stated the squad's dismal performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics was a turning point.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"For us, 2016 was first Olympics, we didn't win any match and I think it was a turning point for us because we learnt how to handle pressure in such big event and this was a different Olympics because we lost first three matches but still had the self-belief," she said. </span></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-india-sweep-fih-annual-awards-mens-olympic-champion-belgium-says-this-is-not-normal-418621">Hockey: India sweep FIH annual awards; men’s Olympic champion Belgium says 'this is not normal'</a></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"We lost Holland and Germany but we played good hockey and this gave us the confidence that we can beat other teams and that belief carried us through against Australia."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">Savita Punia, the goalkeeper, shared her sentiments.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We had qualified after 36 years in 2016 Olympics but there was no performance. I was not happy with my performance so in the next 4-5 years we wanted to do something."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"The England match we didn't play well and on hindsight because of that match, we did well in the next games. Our coach was so upset that he didn't have lunch with us."</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">"So Ireland match was more important than quarterfinals, which was a pressure match. We knew Australia is a good team, they were higher ranked, so pressure was on then."</span></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hockey</a><br />
Women's Quarterfinals Results<br />
<br />
रुकना नहीं है।🏑🇮🇳<br />
We are through to our 1st ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympicGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympicGames</a> Semifinals! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Eves beat World No. 2 Australia 1-0. Bravo team 👏🙌🔥💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RukengeNahi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RukengeNahi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EkIndiaTeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EkIndiaTeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q8EGij0heI">pic.twitter.com/Q8EGij0heI</a></p>
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia/status/1422056551720710146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We were also confident because we had lost a close match against Australia in 2018 Commonwealth Games, so we just wanted to do better, there was no option."</p>


PR Sreejesh, a veteran Indian goalkeeper, stated on Saturday that a lot will rely on his fitness and performance in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. For his performance in India's historic bronze medal-winning accomplishment at the Tokyo Olympics, the 33-year-old from Kerala was recently awarded the best goalie title in the men's area at the FIH annual awards.

PR Sreejesh, a veteran Indian goalkeeper, stated on Saturday that a lot will rely on his fitness and performance in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. For his performance in India's historic bronze medal-winning accomplishment at the Tokyo Olympics, the 33-year-old from Kerala was recently awarded the best goalie title in the men's area at the FIH annual awards. "No player will say no to an Olympics, we are greedy people," Sreejesh remarked when asked if he will be competing in the Paris Olympics. "The motivation will always be to work hard and give best." "I have had a career of 21 years. So I will always want to play one more match, one more Olympics so as long as my team members don't kick me out, I will stay in the team for sure," he said. #IND has done it! They overcome a two-goal deficit against #GER to win their first Olympic #Hockey medal since 1980!@fih_hockey @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/WAj5vVvHBu — Olympics (@Olympics) August 5, 2021 × He went on to say at the India Today conference, "But nothing is certain in a sportsperson's life. There can be an injury, performance can go down, others can do better than me." Sreejesh's former teammates Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil had recently retired following a successful Olympic campaign to pave the way for the youngsters. When India skipper Manpreet Singh was asked the same question, the captain said: "He is going to Paris from our side. Sreejesh is the best goalkeeper, so we would want him to be there at the goal. We have the confidence in him but rest depends on his fitness and other things." ALSO READ | Hockey India withdraws from 2022 Birmingham CWG; cites Covid concerns, discriminatory quarantine rules Sreejesh, who has demonstrated the capacity to improve over time, believes that both the men's and women's teams will finish on the podium in the 2024 Games, but that the path ahead will be more difficult. "The motivation will always be there to change the color of the medal in Paris. But the road is not easy. We had won a medal 41 years ago and after that Indians sent us to Olympics with a lot of expectations." "Now that we have proved we can win, the expectations will be higher when we go to Paris. But it won't be easy, it doesn't happen overnight." "The women's team was unlucky to miss out this time but definitely I am confident that both teams will finish at the podium in Paris." In the dying seconds of the bronze medal match against Germany in Tokyo, Sreejesh made a spectacular save. #TeamIndia | #Tokyo2020 | #Hockey Men's Hockey Bronze Medal Results India, have #Bronze Day today! The medal days are back as the Indian Men's Hockey team bring back home our first #Olympics Hockey medal in 41 years. Bravo boys🙌 #RukengeNahi #EkIndiaTeamIndia #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/5AXEaF1EYZ — Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 5, 2021 × He remarked, recalling those six seconds: "When we got that PC, our reaction was like what will happen now, there was a chance that it can slip away but there was not much time to think. We had to defend. I was planning my defensive structure looking at the opposition." "As a goalkeeper I had my own things, to focus and I was just thinking that I have been playing for so many years, so I just have to save this one." While the men's team earned a medal, the women's team came up just short, placing fourth after losing 3-4 in the bronze-play play-off against reigning champions Great Britain. Rani, the captain of the Indian women's team, stated the squad's dismal performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics was a turning point. "For us, 2016 was first Olympics, we didn't win any match and I think it was a turning point for us because we learnt how to handle pressure in such big event and this was a different Olympics because we lost first three matches but still had the self-belief," she said. ALSO READ: Hockey: India sweep FIH annual awards; men’s Olympic champion Belgium says 'this is not normal' "We lost Holland and Germany but we played good hockey and this gave us the confidence that we can beat other teams and that belief carried us through against Australia." Savita Punia, the goalkeeper, shared her sentiments. "We had qualified after 36 years in 2016 Olympics but there was no performance. I was not happy with my performance so in the next 4-5 years we wanted to do something." "The England match we didn't play well and on hindsight because of that match, we did well in the next games. Our coach was so upset that he didn't have lunch with us." "So Ireland match was more important than quarterfinals, which was a pressure match. We knew Australia is a good team, they were higher ranked, so pressure was on then." #TeamIndia | #Tokyo2020 | #Hockey Women's Quarterfinals Results रुकना नहीं है।🏑🇮🇳 We are through to our 1st ever #OlympicGames Semifinals! #TeamIndia Eves beat World No. 2 Australia 1-0. Bravo team 👏🙌🔥💙 #RukengeNahi #EkIndiaTeamIndia #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/Q8EGij0heI — Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 2, 2021 × "We were also confident because we had lost a close match against Australia in 2018 Commonwealth Games, so we just wanted to do better, there was no option."

Nothing is certain but want to stay with this team till Paris Olympics: PR Sreejesh

<p>Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics in the Tokyo 2020 event. The 23-year-old sensation won gold in the men's javelin final with a best throw of 87.58m. Since then, he has been busy with several interviews, media commitments and also made an appearance on Amitabh Bachchan's famous show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who wants to be a millionaire?).</p>

<p>In the latest episode in Season 13, which will be aired on Saturday (September 18), Neeraj Chopra won hearts and left Amitabh Bachchan in splits when he was asked to narrate a famous dialogue from the latter's filmography. Neeraj delivered a dialogue from Big B's superhit 1981 movie, Silsila, in the most hilarious manner. Here's the video -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CT1eyU9qXyr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CT1eyU9qXyr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CT1eyU9qXyr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CT1eyU9qXyr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Sony Entertainment Television (@sonytvofficial)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Neeraj appeared on the popular show along with Indian men's hockey team's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. For the unversed, the men's hockey side also clinched a medal for Team India in the Tokyo 2020. Manpreet Singh-led India won bronze in the mega event, ending India's 41-year-long wait for an Olympic medal.</p>

<p>Both the athletes, thus, spoke at length on their sporting careers and their journey so far while playing the quiz show with Big B.</p>


Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics in the Tokyo 2020 event. The 23-year-old sensation won gold in the men's javelin final with a best throw of 87.

Neeraj Chopra has become the darling of the nation ever since he won India its first-ever Olympic medal in athletics in the Tokyo 2020 event. The 23-year-old sensation won gold in the men's javelin final with a best throw of 87.58m. Since then, he has been busy with several interviews, media commitments and also made an appearance on Amitabh Bachchan's famous show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who wants to be a millionaire?). In the latest episode in Season 13, which will be aired on Saturday (September 18), Neeraj Chopra won hearts and left Amitabh Bachchan in splits when he was asked to narrate a famous dialogue from the latter's filmography. Neeraj delivered a dialogue from Big B's superhit 1981 movie, Silsila, in the most hilarious manner. Here's the video - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony Entertainment Television (@sonytvofficial) × Neeraj appeared on the popular show along with Indian men's hockey team's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. For the unversed, the men's hockey side also clinched a medal for Team India in the Tokyo 2020. Manpreet Singh-led India won bronze in the mega event, ending India's 41-year-long wait for an Olympic medal. Both the athletes, thus, spoke at length on their sporting careers and their journey so far while playing the quiz show with Big B.

Neeraj Chopra gives hilarious Haryanvi twist to Amitabh Bachchan's iconic dialogue in KBC promo - Watch

India’s journey at the Olympics is synonymous with the sport of Hockey. India won six consecutive Gold medals in the sport on either side of the Second World War and the run yielded 8 Gold medals, a silver and two bronze medals. The trophy cabinet has been barren since 1980 but the Men’s team heads into Tokyo as contenders on merit and not due to sentimental reasons. Chief Coach Graham Reid, Captain Manpreet Singh and Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh spoke about their preparations for the Games with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

WION Sports | Road to Tokyo: Indian men's Hockey team special

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar. While the year 2020 was supposed to be an extremely hectic year in the world of sports, the dreaded virus has left the fans and sportspersons with absolutely no live action at all. Hockey is one of the sports to have taken a body blow from the coronavirus pandemic. After the extension of the lockdown till May 3 by the Indian government, Hockey India decided to postpone all its national championships indefinitely. In the international circuit, there will be no matches for the Indian team until the month of June, as of now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The goalkeeper of Indian men's hockey team, PR Sreejesh, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about a lot of things ranging from lockdown in SAI campus in Bengaluru, training while maintaining social distancing, postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, the emergence of young talents in Indian hockey, and much more.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-might-be-a-good-idea-to-look-at-quarantine-facility-for-olympic-hopefuls-pullela-gopichand-opens-up-on-postponed-games-and-more-292727" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Digvijay Singh Deo: </strong>Now normally Sreejesh is a very jovial person but the lockdown is no laughing matter. &nbsp;Hopefully no dampening of spirits within the Indian team…</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh:</strong>&nbsp;We are still trying to keep our spirits up, unfortunately, certain things are not in our control. We are just trying to stay positive and focus on the things that make us happy.</p>

<p><strong>DSD:</strong>&nbsp;You are in Bengaluru inside the Sports Authority of India campus. I am told that the officials there very strictly enforced social distancing back in the second week of March itself and no outsiders were allowed to enter the campus…</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh: </strong>This was a great initiative from SAI we started our camp here on March 1, so we've been here for over six weeks. The gates of the campus were closed in March itself, and they didn't allow any outsiders to enter and no person from the campus could leave the premises as well. It is perfect for us to be able to stay here during the lockdown. I believe we are completely safe and secure here inside the campus.</p>

<p><img alt="Exclusive: 'Trying to stay positive and keep our spirits up' - PR Sreejesh reflects on life in lockdown, postponement of Tokyo Olympics, and much more" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bee04e38-fda1-4525-bb98-a4b7cc7d39bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pr-sreejesh-hockey-file-pti.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>DSD:</strong>&nbsp;Now what is your routine and that of your team especially when we all have to follow social distancing…<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sreejesh:</strong>&nbsp;As we all know the Olympics have been postponed and no international events are coming up in the near future, but still we are focussing on our fitness and strength. We are following the safety guidelines that have been issued by the government. So our staff here has prepared individual training schedules for players. We go in groups of 2 or 3 to run on the track.</p>

<p>We can't use the gym, but we are undergoing individual weight training sessions in whatever space we can. Our focus right now is on maintaining our fitness levels that we have built up over the last few years. We are not doing any hockey training at the moment because of the social distancing rules, but we are continuing to work hard on our fitness levels.</p>

<p><strong>DSD: </strong>You come from Kerala and there have been a lot of positive cases there. Your family is there so are you in touch with them daily?</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh:</strong>&nbsp;Yes, the safety of my family was my first concern when the crisis started. My father is over 60 yeas old and he is a heart patient, so it is extremely important for him to be safe and remain inside the house with my mother. I have told them not to leave the house unless it is for something urgent. I have two children who are less than six years old, so being away from them is tough, but I read the situation in Kerala is improving. The government, medical professionals and the people of the state are doing a commendable job in limiting the spread of the virus.</p>

<p><strong>DSD: </strong>Now in the last month we have seen the global sporting calendar wiped out. The Olympics which was the dream of everyone associated with Indian hockey too was postponed. How did the team and especially you react to that news?</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh:</strong>&nbsp;The first reaction was that of disappointment because for the last year we were preparing for the 2020 Olympics scheduled in July and August. We sealed our place in the games in November last year and since then we were in a good run of form, we started the FIH Pro League on a positive note as well.</p>

<p>But like I said before the postponement is something that is not in our control. Now we have another year to improve our game, work on our weaknesses and further sharpen our strengths. In terms of mental preparedness as well, we have to accept the fact that the games have been pushed back. But I'm sure if we maintain our focus and intensity levels, we will continue to challenge the world's top teams as we have been doing recently.</p>

<p><strong>DSD</strong>: The Olympics need a lot of detailed planning and coaches spend a lot of time trying to ensure the team peaks right during the Olympics. The way we were playing sort of showed we had momentum behind us.how do you start from scratch again now with the games now 15 months away.</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh:</strong>&nbsp;Yes that's correct if you see our results in the last few months, we have been steadily improving. Our performances in the pro league were particularly encouraging. But then the whole scenario changed because of the coronavirus crisis. Now there is even uncertainty whether the games will be held in 2021 as well. But this is not in our control, we can only ensure that whenever the games happen, we are fully prepared for the competition. We have to maintain our mental and physical state throughout these 15 months. There will also be changes in the tactics and the performance levels of our competitors.</p>

<p><img alt="Exclusive: 'Trying to stay positive and keep our spirits up' - PR Sreejesh reflects on life in lockdown, postponement of Tokyo Olympics, and much more" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="797cf470-7e5f-4bef-b779-594802b179bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg5495227.jpg" /></p>

<p>New players might come in and they might undertake a new style of play. But overall, I think our momentum heading into the games was halted which means we have to re-calibrate. Once we know the schedule for the next competitive match, then only we will able to get our rhythm back. We have enough time to work on our basics and get our campaign back on track. In terms of fitness levels, I feel our trainer is good enough to ensure that we make up for the time that we have lost in the gym and in the field. So I believe we will regain our fitness levels once the lockdown is over.</p>

<p><strong>DSD</strong>: We have seen this year during the FIH Pro League how younger players were coming into the team and gelling well with the experienced lot including you and Manpreet. Now seniors like you know how to deal with adversity having spent so much time in the game. How crucial a role do you see for yourself, Manpreet, Kothajit and Rupinderpal in guiding these young players through this period of uncertainty.</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh</strong>: Yes that is true, but even for us senior players this is a completely new experience. I have been out of international competitions only once in my life for an extended period of time of about 6-7 months, which was due to an injury. But my advice to young players would be to focus on the basics and maintain your fitness levels. But I would also encourage them not to stress about the ongoing situation. This would be a great time for them to learn a new skill, apart from sport. They can read books and gain other interests, which will, in turn, develop their personalities not just as sportspersons but as human beings.</p>

<p>This might even help in their growth as a player because they will have a new outlook on life when they step on the field. So during the lockdown, there is no point on dwelling on the things that we are not able to do, but instead, make the best of what we have and use this period to sharpen our brain and work on our physical fitness. If the players remain positive and keep themselves occupied in some form, I'm sure the players will benefit and we will hit the ground running when we return to the field.</p>

<p><strong>DSD</strong>: So the lockdown we know is continuing till May 3rd, the Pro League matches are off till may end and across the world, with various flight restrictions and quarantine measures in place there is a possibility that we see no sporting action before July end ..that is around 4-5 months at-least without top-flight action…how do you maintain the intensity levels in a time like this?</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh</strong>: I think this is the time when we need to take our foot off the pedal because it is impossible to remain in peak fitness for 365 days in a year. We, of course, need to retain our basic levels of fitness and be mentally prepared to return to action. As a team, this is the time we are using to unwind. We are doing a sort of post-mortem on our past matches and analysing areas in which we can improve. As athletes, we are involved in international events for a majority of the year, so it can get difficult to deal with such a lockdown, but all we can do is wait and make do with what we have. Once the schedule is out, then hopefully we will get enough time to prepare and regain our fitness levels.</p>

<p><img alt="Exclusive: 'Trying to stay positive and keep our spirits up' - PR Sreejesh reflects on life in lockdown, postponement of Tokyo Olympics, and much more" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f69178db-c0c3-4984-9786-68189737158a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pr-sreejash.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>DSD</strong>: Obviously sport is not a priority at the moment but how important will sport be when the world slowly limps back to normal. Do you think that this period without sport anywhere will actually make everyone appreciate the value of a sportsperson&nbsp;even more, we sort of take things for granted but not anymore.</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh</strong>: It is so strange in a way because people have so much free time at home to watch sport, but there is no action anywhere in the world. But sports has the power to take people's mind off from the doom and gloom of daily life and lift the spirit of everyone. People might cherish sports more after the lockdown since they are desperate for some action and there is none available at the moment. So sportspersons might be respected more after the lockdown in terms of the 'value' that they add to society.</p>

<p><strong>DSD</strong>: Are you in touch with fellow internationals from other teams across the world…do you compare notes with what is happening in their daily lives?</p>

<p><strong>Sreejesh</strong>: Yes, luckily because of social media I am able to connect with a number of international players. All of the player I've spoken to are finding it hard to deal with these unprecedented times. In Europe, the restrictions are extremely strict and it is difficult to function. But the important thing is that they are receiving all the essential services. Most prominent hockey players are working out at home and putting out content on social media. Young players can learn from the work ethic of these stars.it also sends out a message on the importance of staying healthy in these tough times.</p>


The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar. While the year 2020 was supposed to be an extremely hectic year in the world of sports, the dreaded virus has left the fans and sportspersons with absolutely no live action at all.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar. While the year 2020 was supposed to be an extremely hectic year in the world of sports, the dreaded virus has left the fans and sportspersons with absolutely no live action at all. Hockey is one of the sports to have taken a body blow from the coronavirus pandemic. After the extension of the lockdown till May 3 by the Indian government, Hockey India decided to postpone all its national championships indefinitely. In the international circuit, there will be no matches for the Indian team until the month of June, as of now. The goalkeeper of Indian men's hockey team, PR Sreejesh, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about a lot of things ranging from lockdown in SAI campus in Bengaluru, training while maintaining social distancing, postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, the emergence of young talents in Indian hockey, and much more. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more Digvijay Singh Deo: Now normally Sreejesh is a very jovial person but the lockdown is no laughing matter. Hopefully no dampening of spirits within the Indian team… Sreejesh: We are still trying to keep our spirits up, unfortunately, certain things are not in our control. We are just trying to stay positive and focus on the things that make us happy. DSD: You are in Bengaluru inside the Sports Authority of India campus. I am told that the officials there very strictly enforced social distancing back in the second week of March itself and no outsiders were allowed to enter the campus… Sreejesh: This was a great initiative from SAI we started our camp here on March 1, so we've been here for over six weeks. The gates of the campus were closed in March itself, and they didn't allow any outsiders to enter and no person from the campus could leave the premises as well. It is perfect for us to be able to stay here during the lockdown. I believe we are completely safe and secure here inside the campus. DSD: Now what is your routine and that of your team especially when we all have to follow social distancing… Sreejesh: As we all know the Olympics have been postponed and no international events are coming up in the near future, but still we are focussing on our fitness and strength. We are following the safety guidelines that have been issued by the government. So our staff here has prepared individual training schedules for players. We go in groups of 2 or 3 to run on the track. We can't use the gym, but we are undergoing individual weight training sessions in whatever space we can. Our focus right now is on maintaining our fitness levels that we have built up over the last few years. We are not doing any hockey training at the moment because of the social distancing rules, but we are continuing to work hard on our fitness levels. DSD: You come from Kerala and there have been a lot of positive cases there. Your family is there so are you in touch with them daily? Sreejesh: Yes, the safety of my family was my first concern when the crisis started. My father is over 60 yeas old and he is a heart patient, so it is extremely important for him to be safe and remain inside the house with my mother. I have told them not to leave the house unless it is for something urgent. I have two children who are less than six years old, so being away from them is tough, but I read the situation in Kerala is improving. The government, medical professionals and the people of the state are doing a commendable job in limiting the spread of the virus. DSD: Now in the last month we have seen the global sporting calendar wiped out. The Olympics which was the dream of everyone associated with Indian hockey too was postponed. How did the team and especially you react to that news? Sreejesh: The first reaction was that of disappointment because for the last year we were preparing for the 2020 Olympics scheduled in July and August. We sealed our place in the games in November last year and since then we were in a good run of form, we started the FIH Pro League on a positive note as well. But like I said before the postponement is something that is not in our control. Now we have another year to improve our game, work on our weaknesses and further sharpen our strengths. In terms of mental preparedness as well, we have to accept the fact that the games have been pushed back. But I'm sure if we maintain our focus and intensity levels, we will continue to challenge the world's top teams as we have been doing recently. DSD: The Olympics need a lot of detailed planning and coaches spend a lot of time trying to ensure the team peaks right during the Olympics. The way we were playing sort of showed we had momentum behind us.how do you start from scratch again now with the games now 15 months away. Sreejesh: Yes that's correct if you see our results in the last few months, we have been steadily improving. Our performances in the pro league were particularly encouraging. But then the whole scenario changed because of the coronavirus crisis. Now there is even uncertainty whether the games will be held in 2021 as well. But this is not in our control, we can only ensure that whenever the games happen, we are fully prepared for the competition. We have to maintain our mental and physical state throughout these 15 months. There will also be changes in the tactics and the performance levels of our competitors. New players might come in and they might undertake a new style of play. But overall, I think our momentum heading into the games was halted which means we have to re-calibrate. Once we know the schedule for the next competitive match, then only we will able to get our rhythm back. We have enough time to work on our basics and get our campaign back on track. In terms of fitness levels, I feel our trainer is good enough to ensure that we make up for the time that we have lost in the gym and in the field. So I believe we will regain our fitness levels once the lockdown is over. DSD: We have seen this year during the FIH Pro League how younger players were coming into the team and gelling well with the experienced lot including you and Manpreet. Now seniors like you know how to deal with adversity having spent so much time in the game. How crucial a role do you see for yourself, Manpreet, Kothajit and Rupinderpal in guiding these young players through this period of uncertainty. Sreejesh: Yes that is true, but even for us senior players this is a completely new experience. I have been out of international competitions only once in my life for an extended period of time of about 6-7 months, which was due to an injury. But my advice to young players would be to focus on the basics and maintain your fitness levels. But I would also encourage them not to stress about the ongoing situation. This would be a great time for them to learn a new skill, apart from sport. They can read books and gain other interests, which will, in turn, develop their personalities not just as sportspersons but as human beings. This might even help in their growth as a player because they will have a new outlook on life when they step on the field. So during the lockdown, there is no point on dwelling on the things that we are not able to do, but instead, make the best of what we have and use this period to sharpen our brain and work on our physical fitness. If the players remain positive and keep themselves occupied in some form, I'm sure the players will benefit and we will hit the ground running when we return to the field. DSD: So the lockdown we know is continuing till May 3rd, the Pro League matches are off till may end and across the world, with various flight restrictions and quarantine measures in place there is a possibility that we see no sporting action before July end ..that is around 4-5 months at-least without top-flight action…how do you maintain the intensity levels in a time like this? Sreejesh: I think this is the time when we need to take our foot off the pedal because it is impossible to remain in peak fitness for 365 days in a year. We, of course, need to retain our basic levels of fitness and be mentally prepared to return to action. As a team, this is the time we are using to unwind. We are doing a sort of post-mortem on our past matches and analysing areas in which we can improve. As athletes, we are involved in international events for a majority of the year, so it can get difficult to deal with such a lockdown, but all we can do is wait and make do with what we have. Once the schedule is out, then hopefully we will get enough time to prepare and regain our fitness levels. DSD: Obviously sport is not a priority at the moment but how important will sport be when the world slowly limps back to normal. Do you think that this period without sport anywhere will actually make everyone appreciate the value of a sportsperson even more, we sort of take things for granted but not anymore. Sreejesh: It is so strange in a way because people have so much free time at home to watch sport, but there is no action anywhere in the world. But sports has the power to take people's mind off from the doom and gloom of daily life and lift the spirit of everyone. People might cherish sports more after the lockdown since they are desperate for some action and there is none available at the moment. So sportspersons might be respected more after the lockdown in terms of the 'value' that they add to society. DSD: Are you in touch with fellow internationals from other teams across the world…do you compare notes with what is happening in their daily lives? Sreejesh: Yes, luckily because of social media I am able to connect with a number of international players. All of the player I've spoken to are finding it hard to deal with these unprecedented times. In Europe, the restrictions are extremely strict and it is difficult to function. But the important thing is that they are receiving all the essential services. Most prominent hockey players are working out at home and putting out content on social media. Young players can learn from the work ethic of these stars.it also sends out a message on the importance of staying healthy in these tough times.

Exclusive: 'Trying to stay positive and keep our spirits up' - PR Sreejesh reflects on life in lockdown, postponement of Tokyo Olympics, and much more

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics came as a blow to fans of Indian hockey with the men's team starting the year brightly in the FIH pro league. The wait for an Olympic medal in hockey has been going on since 1980 but goalkeeper and former captain PR Sreejesh believes the initial disappointment has now been replaced by the belief that a further 15 months can help the team emerge as genuine medal contenders at the Tokyo games.

WION exclusive conversation with PR Sreejesh | Indian Hockey Goalkeeper | Lockdown

<p>Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers.</p>

<p>He also added that the Indian Hockey Team is confident of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.</p>

<p>Appreciating the 'Khelo India' initiative of the Sports Ministry, Singh said it has proved to a good platform."Khelo India has proved to be a good platform. It has helped in improving the game at the grassroots levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our Sports Minister has always supported us. The honours lie upon us to win medals for the country," Singh told ANI.</p>

<p>"If we keep on winning medals for the country, the game itself will resonate with the youth and people will get attracted towards the sport. If people say cricket gets the support, I will add that hockey is also getting the support. If we keep on winning medals, the sport will attract people towards it," he went on to add.</p>

<p>As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are fast approaching, Singh said that the first task for the side will be to qualify for the sporting event. The 24-year-old added that he's confident of qualifying for the Olympics and affirmed that if the team is through, they will strive to win gold.</p>

<p>"We are working very hard, the first thing we need to do is to qualify for the Olympics. For qualifying, we need to put our best foot forward and then we will aim to win the gold medal," Singh said.</p>

<p>"Our first task is to qualify for the Olympics, I am confident we will qualify and after qualification, we will think about the Tokyo Olympics. I hope we will continue to remain consistent, our aim will always be to win a medal for the country," he added.</p>

<p>Hockey India on July 25 had announced an 18-member squad for the Olympic Test event in Japan.</p>

<p>The team management had decided to rest senior players such as captain Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Surender Kumar.</p>

<p>The Indian team chief coach Graham Reid had said that the break will help the players shake off any niggling injuries and refresh themselves ahead of the Olympic qualifying matches in November.</p>

<p>Singh agreed with the head coach's statement, saying the rest was much needed for senior players. He also showed faith in the youngsters, stating that the new players will put their best foot forward.</p>

<p>"All the new players that have come into our side, they are all good. Some senior players needed rest, and they have been given rest by the federation. Some players were playing at a stretch from a long time so the rest was much needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New players are really good, they have been given an opportunity in the Olympic Test Event and I am confident they will perform to the best of their ability," Singh said.</p>

<p>Singh, who made his foray into international hockey in 2013, said that his game is improving day by day. According to him, his main task is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals.</p>

<p>Singh had scored his first goal against Oman in 2013, and the player has established his place in the side, becoming the linchpin in the current hockey team.</p>

<p>"I think my game is improving day by day. My main role is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. I went into a dull period in the middle, but I was able to come back in to form and right now all things have fallen into place," Singh said.</p>

<p>Former Indian hockey team skipper Dhanraj Pillay had earlier emphasised on the betterment of rural setup to find and nurture players in the sporting circle.</p>

<p>"If more players are to be found and nurtured in the sporting circle, rural setup needs to be improved. No doubt, players from big cities get opportunities faster. But the rural setup has always given us great players.<br />
Players hailing from small towns make the most out of the given opportunity. I truly believe our hockey team will qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Pillay had told ANI.</p>

<p>Singh agreed with the former Olympian, and hoped to see more players from rural India come under the limelight in future."I agree with Dhanraj sir. Hockey is getting support from all around the corners, the rural setup has improved quite a lot and I hope it continues to get better to give more players to the country," Singh said.</p>

<p>Pillay had also urged the team to not to concede goals in the dying minutes of the match. Singh said that the team has been practicing quite hard to get better in this aspect.</p>

<p>"We are practicing quite hard to eradicate this problem. Conceding last-minute goals has been a problem, but our support staff is working closely with us and our coach has always told us to give 100% in the last five minutes of the match," Singh said.</p>

<p>"We scored goals in the dying minutes in our last tournament, we are working really hard at this aspect and our coaching staff is helping us improve," he added.</p>

<p>The Indian team would next be participating in the Olympic Test event which is slated to begin from August 17 in Japan.</p>


Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers.

Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh on Tuesday said that if the team wins laurels for the country, the sport will itself resonate with people and will garner more admirers. He also added that the Indian Hockey Team is confident of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Appreciating the 'Khelo India' initiative of the Sports Ministry, Singh said it has proved to a good platform."Khelo India has proved to be a good platform. It has helped in improving the game at the grassroots levels. Our Sports Minister has always supported us. The honours lie upon us to win medals for the country," Singh told ANI. "If we keep on winning medals for the country, the game itself will resonate with the youth and people will get attracted towards the sport. If people say cricket gets the support, I will add that hockey is also getting the support. If we keep on winning medals, the sport will attract people towards it," he went on to add. As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are fast approaching, Singh said that the first task for the side will be to qualify for the sporting event. The 24-year-old added that he's confident of qualifying for the Olympics and affirmed that if the team is through, they will strive to win gold. "We are working very hard, the first thing we need to do is to qualify for the Olympics. For qualifying, we need to put our best foot forward and then we will aim to win the gold medal," Singh said. "Our first task is to qualify for the Olympics, I am confident we will qualify and after qualification, we will think about the Tokyo Olympics. I hope we will continue to remain consistent, our aim will always be to win a medal for the country," he added. Hockey India on July 25 had announced an 18-member squad for the Olympic Test event in Japan. The team management had decided to rest senior players such as captain Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and Surender Kumar. The Indian team chief coach Graham Reid had said that the break will help the players shake off any niggling injuries and refresh themselves ahead of the Olympic qualifying matches in November. Singh agreed with the head coach's statement, saying the rest was much needed for senior players. He also showed faith in the youngsters, stating that the new players will put their best foot forward. "All the new players that have come into our side, they are all good. Some senior players needed rest, and they have been given rest by the federation. Some players were playing at a stretch from a long time so the rest was much needed. New players are really good, they have been given an opportunity in the Olympic Test Event and I am confident they will perform to the best of their ability," Singh said. Singh, who made his foray into international hockey in 2013, said that his game is improving day by day. According to him, his main task is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. Singh had scored his first goal against Oman in 2013, and the player has established his place in the side, becoming the linchpin in the current hockey team. "I think my game is improving day by day. My main role is to create penalty corners and convert them into goals. I went into a dull period in the middle, but I was able to come back in to form and right now all things have fallen into place," Singh said. Former Indian hockey team skipper Dhanraj Pillay had earlier emphasised on the betterment of rural setup to find and nurture players in the sporting circle. "If more players are to be found and nurtured in the sporting circle, rural setup needs to be improved. No doubt, players from big cities get opportunities faster. But the rural setup has always given us great players. Players hailing from small towns make the most out of the given opportunity. I truly believe our hockey team will qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Pillay had told ANI. Singh agreed with the former Olympian, and hoped to see more players from rural India come under the limelight in future."I agree with Dhanraj sir. Hockey is getting support from all around the corners, the rural setup has improved quite a lot and I hope it continues to get better to give more players to the country," Singh said. Pillay had also urged the team to not to concede goals in the dying minutes of the match. Singh said that the team has been practicing quite hard to get better in this aspect. "We are practicing quite hard to eradicate this problem. Conceding last-minute goals has been a problem, but our support staff is working closely with us and our coach has always told us to give 100% in the last five minutes of the match," Singh said. "We scored goals in the dying minutes in our last tournament, we are working really hard at this aspect and our coaching staff is helping us improve," he added. The Indian team would next be participating in the Olympic Test event which is slated to begin from August 17 in Japan.

If we keep winning medals, Hockey will garner admirers in India: Mandeep Singh

WION Sports Special: Hockey Comes Home

WION Exclusive: Team India stars look ahead to 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup

<p>PR Sreejesh&#39;s decision to play in Virat Kohli&#39;s charity football match might have raised a few eyebrows but India&#39;s premier hockey goalkeeper might well just get away with a reprieve, at least this time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian hockey team&#39;s regular captain Sreejesh played a &#39;Celebrity Clasico&#39; in October this year in Mumbai, featuring the country&#39;s top sports and Bollywood stars, including India cricket captain Virat and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During that period Srejeesh was on a break but what went against him was that he was recuperating from a serious injury that time after being sidelined from the national team following the Azlan Shah Cup in May earlier this year.</p>

<p>There were reports that Sreejesh&#39;s action didn&#39;t go down well with the team management but he might just get away as Hockey India is yet to initiate any disciplinary action against him.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, it came to our notice but we didn&#39;t initiate any disciplinary action as yet. We are currently busy with the Hockey World League Final and no disciplinary meeting has been called,&quot; Hockey India CEO Elena Norman, who is also a member of the Disciplinary Committee, told PTI.</p>

<p>Another member of the Disciplinary Committee is completely in dark about the issue and said he only came to know about the matter when contacted today.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s news to me. I only came to know about the matter today. I am not aware of any Disciplinary Committee meeting. I haven&#39;t been told anything by Hockey India as yet. Any progress on this matter will take place, if it has to, only after the Hockey World League Final,&quot; said the senior member of the committee.</p>

<p>Considered as the best in his business, Sreejesh has been the backbone of Indian hockey since his debut and his brilliance under the bar won India many matches, which includes the 2014 Asian Games gold in Incheon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May this year, Sreejesh had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia and since then he has been out of the side. India is desperately hoping for Sreejesh to recover soon especially with a busy 2018 lined up.</p>

<p>But Sreejesh&#39;s action is in serious breach of Hockey India&#39;s Code of Conduct and he faces the risk of four months suspension.</p>

<p>&quot;Sreejesh is a role model for young hockey players and his actions will leave an impact on them. Even though I don&#39;t know whose permission he took to play in the match just when he was recovering an injury, I feel he should have avoided it thinking about his own and nation&#39;s cause,&quot; the Disciplinary Committee member, said.</p>

<p>&quot;Having said that he never had any disciplinary issues in the past, so I feel he will escape with a warning. India need Sreejesh services.&quot;</p>

<p>But the big question which is making round is that just whose permission did India&#39;s premier goalkeeper take to play in the &#39;Celebrity Classico&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;Sreejesh didn&#39;t ask Hockey India before playing in the match. We don&#39;t have anything on record,&quot; the HI CEO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;He might have taken permission from his coaches, physio or the High Performance Manager,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>High Performance Manager David John, however, said he was not approached by Sreejesh.</p>

<p>&quot;I was not asked. During that period I was not in India. I was with the team in Dhaka for the Asia Cup,&quot; John said.</p>

<p>When contacted, Sreejesh refused to comment on the issue.</p>

<p>&quot;I won&#39;t like to comment anything on the issue. We will talk later,&quot; he said before disconnecting the phone.&nbsp;</p>


Indian hockey team's regular captain Sreejesh played a 'Celebrity Clasico' in October this year in Mumbai

PR Sreejesh's decision to play in Virat Kohli's charity football match might have raised a few eyebrows but India's premier hockey goalkeeper might well just get away with a reprieve, at least this time. Indian hockey team's regular captain Sreejesh played a 'Celebrity Clasico' in October this year in Mumbai, featuring the country's top sports and Bollywood stars, including India cricket captain Virat and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. During that period Srejeesh was on a break but what went against him was that he was recuperating from a serious injury that time after being sidelined from the national team following the Azlan Shah Cup in May earlier this year. There were reports that Sreejesh's action didn't go down well with the team management but he might just get away as Hockey India is yet to initiate any disciplinary action against him. "Yes, it came to our notice but we didn't initiate any disciplinary action as yet. We are currently busy with the Hockey World League Final and no disciplinary meeting has been called," Hockey India CEO Elena Norman, who is also a member of the Disciplinary Committee, told PTI. Another member of the Disciplinary Committee is completely in dark about the issue and said he only came to know about the matter when contacted today. "It's news to me. I only came to know about the matter today. I am not aware of any Disciplinary Committee meeting. I haven't been told anything by Hockey India as yet. Any progress on this matter will take place, if it has to, only after the Hockey World League Final," said the senior member of the committee. Considered as the best in his business, Sreejesh has been the backbone of Indian hockey since his debut and his brilliance under the bar won India many matches, which includes the 2014 Asian Games gold in Incheon. In May this year, Sreejesh had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia and since then he has been out of the side. India is desperately hoping for Sreejesh to recover soon especially with a busy 2018 lined up. But Sreejesh's action is in serious breach of Hockey India's Code of Conduct and he faces the risk of four months suspension. "Sreejesh is a role model for young hockey players and his actions will leave an impact on them. Even though I don't know whose permission he took to play in the match just when he was recovering an injury, I feel he should have avoided it thinking about his own and nation's cause," the Disciplinary Committee member, said. "Having said that he never had any disciplinary issues in the past, so I feel he will escape with a warning. India need Sreejesh services." But the big question which is making round is that just whose permission did India's premier goalkeeper take to play in the 'Celebrity Classico'. "Sreejesh didn't ask Hockey India before playing in the match. We don't have anything on record," the HI CEO said. "He might have taken permission from his coaches, physio or the High Performance Manager," she said. High Performance Manager David John, however, said he was not approached by Sreejesh. "I was not asked. During that period I was not in India. I was with the team in Dhaka for the Asia Cup," John said. When contacted, Sreejesh refused to comment on the issue. "I won't like to comment anything on the issue. We will talk later," he said before disconnecting the phone.

PR Sreejesh likely to get reprieve for playing in charity match

Indian hockey team&#39;s captain PR Sreejesh has apologised for letting the nation down after his team&#39;s 1-3 loss to Belgium in the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics.<br />
<br />
&quot;Unfortunately we are touching the moon, but still we couldn&#39;t reach there, we have fallen from there. It&#39;s hitting really hard because the expectation was very high on us back home,&quot; Sreejesh said after the loss yesterday. &quot;I think we disappointed our country but still I think we players need to work really hard and perform well in the next coming tournaments.&quot;<br />
<br />
India were up 1-0 by Akashdeep Singh&#39;s goal inside the first quarter, but the Sreejesh&#39;s men conceded thrice in the second half to hand Belgium their first Olympics semifinal since Antwerp 1920.<br />
<br />
Stephan Dockier&#39;s double in the third quarter and Tom Boon sealed the win in the 50th minute. The Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh was brilliant and saved a penalty corner to maintain India&#39;s lead in the first half.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s very difficult, especially, for me as a goalkeeper, I feel like saves never count because it&#39;s all about the scoring, the goal-line.&quot;<br />
<br />
Asked about captaining India at the coveted Olympics, he said: &quot;I never dreamt about this, leading the team anywhere. But still it&#39;s a great honour and a great responsibility for me. In hockey, captaincy isn&#39;t the most important, but it&#39;s all about outside of the field, how you are coordinating with the players, how you are bringing them together, getting their potential out.&quot;<br />
<br />
India coach Roelant Oltmans too was a disappointed man and said they should have won the match.&nbsp;&quot;Of course I&#39;m disappointed and not only about losing the quarterfinal, because you can win matches, you can lose.&nbsp;I&#39;m disappointed about the kind of game that we played today. I have to give all the credit to Belgium who forced us to play like this. I have to look into my players, why they didn&#39;t perform in the way that we had planned,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The eight-time former Olympic champions India still had a decent run at the Rio 2016 by making the quarters.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are getting closer and closer (to the top of world hockey), but the next step still needs to be made. That&#39;s what has been proven in today&#39;s game,&quot; the Dutchman said.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

'It's hitting really hard because the expectation was very high on us back home,' PR Sreejesh said after India lost 1-3 to Belgium yesterday

Indian hockey team's captain PR Sreejesh has apologised for letting the nation down after his team's 1-3 loss to Belgium in the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics. "Unfortunately we are touching the moon, but still we couldn't reach there, we have fallen from there. It's hitting really hard because the expectation was very high on us back home," Sreejesh said after the loss yesterday. "I think we disappointed our country but still I think we players need to work really hard and perform well in the next coming tournaments." India were up 1-0 by Akashdeep Singh's goal inside the first quarter, but the Sreejesh's men conceded thrice in the second half to hand Belgium their first Olympics semifinal since Antwerp 1920. Stephan Dockier's double in the third quarter and Tom Boon sealed the win in the 50th minute. The Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh was brilliant and saved a penalty corner to maintain India's lead in the first half. "It's very difficult, especially, for me as a goalkeeper, I feel like saves never count because it's all about the scoring, the goal-line." Asked about captaining India at the coveted Olympics, he said: "I never dreamt about this, leading the team anywhere. But still it's a great honour and a great responsibility for me. In hockey, captaincy isn't the most important, but it's all about outside of the field, how you are coordinating with the players, how you are bringing them together, getting their potential out." India coach Roelant Oltmans too was a disappointed man and said they should have won the match. "Of course I'm disappointed and not only about losing the quarterfinal, because you can win matches, you can lose. I'm disappointed about the kind of game that we played today. I have to give all the credit to Belgium who forced us to play like this. I have to look into my players, why they didn't perform in the way that we had planned," he said. The eight-time former Olympic champions India still had a decent run at the Rio 2016 by making the quarters. "We are getting closer and closer (to the top of world hockey), but the next step still needs to be made. That's what has been proven in today's game," the Dutchman said. (PTI)

Rio Olympics 2016: Indian hockey captain apologises for letting nation down

pr-sreejesh

Pr Sreejesh, News on Pr Sreejesh, stories on Pr Sreejesh, articles on Pr Sreejesh, Pr Sreejesh stories at Wion, Pr Sreejesh news, Pr Sreejesh latest news

pr sreejesh