Sreejesh credits team for Padma Shri recognition
Indian hockey captain PR Sreejesh has credited the team for his Padma Shri nomination. The ace goalkeeper said the honour would not have come his way but for teamwork that formed the bedrock of Indian hockey’s success in recent years.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my team who have been exceptionally good over the past few years,” Sreejesh told PTI news agency. “We have grown together from strength to strength and have enjoyed success as well as lifted each other from heart-breaking defeats. My recognition could not have been possible if not for the
Hailing from little known Kizhakkambalam village in Kerala, Sreejesh has been an integral part of Indian hockey’s resurgence since his senior India debut
Sreejesh was adjudged the best goalkeeper in the 2008 Asia Cup while his two penalty stroke saves in the final against Pakistan in the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy helped India win the title for the first time.
Last year he led India to silver in the FIH Champions Trophy in London and gold in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan, beating Pakistan in the final.
“I would like to congratulate PR Sreejesh on being short-listed for the prestigious Padma Shri award. This recognition only reinforces the belief that hard work, determination and dedication will never go unnoticed,” Hockey India secretary-general Mohammed Mushtaque Ahmad told reporters.
“Sreejesh has been an inspiring leader and an exceptional goalkeeper who has honed his skills over the years. I wish him the very best for future