Turf masters

THE PHYSICAL FITNESS AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS OF THE PLAYERS HELPED INDIA REALISE THE DREAM OF AN OLYMPIC MEDAL IN HOCKEY AFTER 41 YEARS

- NEERU BHATIA

P.R. Sreejesh had a lot on his plate before and during the Tokyo Olympic Games. As the senior-most member of the Indian hockey team, he had to ensure that the team remained focused and motivated; and as the goalkeeper, he had to ensure that he was on top of his game when the moment came. He did both jobs remarkably well. “I slept peacefully before every match at the Olympics,” he told THE WEEK from Tokyo.

After August 5, however, life became different for Sreejesh and his teammates. On that day, India beat Germany 5-4 to win the bronze medal. The Indian hockey team was back on the podium at the Olympics after 41 years. The players could not sleep properly for a few days after that owing to innumerable protocols and demands on their time.

After spending two days in Delhi after returning from Tokyo, Sreejesh made a dash to Kerala to meet his family before returning for the Independence Day function in the capital. So did the rest of his teammates. None of the players or support staff had been home for nine months, as they camped and trained on the Sports Authority of India campus in Bengaluru. “I had a wonderful Olympic Games,” said Sreejesh. “Whenever there was a chance I was able to save goals and give life to my team. Being the senior-most player, I had to be an example for youngsters and motivate them.”