PR Sreejesh has been a vital part of the Indian men’s Hockey team for years, as a goalkeeper. He believes that the forthcoming FIH hockey Pro league matches will be important in the preparation for the Asian games and the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar 2023.

“We are starting 2022 with the FIH Hockey Pro League, and as you know we are ultimately competing against all the top teams in the world, so that will help us lay a strong base for the next major tournaments, which includes the Asian Games and the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar – Rourkela. These matches will also give the players more experience of playing against the big teams, especially to the newcomers, who will get a chance to showcase their talent and cement their place in the team for the upcoming major tournaments,” Sreejesh said while addressing the media over a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

The seasoned goalkeeper played incredibly well and helped the Indian Men’s Hockey Team to a memorable bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

“If you look at 2022, we have Asian Games scheduled, which will provide us an opportunity to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics, so that is also going to be a motivation for me. The 2023 World Cup, which we are going to host, so winning a medal in the World Cup, will complete my list of medals in all the hockey events, so again, that is also a reason or motivation to look forward and work really hard and play for my country,” Sreejesh added.

The veteran started his illustrious career in 2006 and has no intentions of retiring soon, Sreejesh said, “For a goalkeeper, age is not is a barrier. It’s about how passionate you are about the game, how hard you are working, and how good you are performing, so these things are very important.”

“I am just focusing on my performance now, and as long as I am good enough, I would want to continue playing. It’s important for me to keep short targets, and give my 100% for the country. To wear that blue jersey and play for the country, gives me the energy, that is what really excites me to play more and more matches, and that’s the reason behind my long run,” he added.