‘Sree, your career as a player is over’: PR Sreejesh reflects on the moment after winning bronze medal playoff against Spain at Paris Olympics

“I started hockey in 2000 as a little kid in a sports school, not on a big stage.

“Playing for 24 years and knowing it was my last match as an international player, I wanted to let those emotions go.

“In an hour, I was going to get ready, warm up. I didn’t want the emotions to hold me back once the match started.

“As I sat there, memories of my journey flashed in my mind. I reminded myself that my playing career was over, and I needed to focus on my business.

“It’s my laptop wallpaper now, a reminder that ‘Sree, your career as a player is over.’”

Having retired from international hockey, he now steps in as India’s junior team head coach, while he will be director and mentor of Delhi SG Pipers in the revamped Hockey India League (HIL).

“No, my policy is 1-0, I’m happy with that,” said Sreejesh on his coaching philosophy.

“But keeping the zero is crucial. You can score 10 goals, but if you can’t maintain that zero, it’s an issue.

“We Indians are skilled at attacking hockey. However, in modern hockey, defence is crucial.

“Craig (Fulton) often says defence wins championships. We won a final 5-3, but I wasn’t happy. At 5-0, I’d be happy, but at 5-3, there’s a concern. Conceding a goal suggests we are lacking somewhere.”