Sreejesh opposes â2-point field goalâ rule
The HIL threw up many a surprise this season, including the much-debated âtwo goal points for one field goalâ rule. Despite garnering widespread admiration from different corners, Indian goalkeeper P.R.Sreejesh was not very impressed and has come out against it calling it unfair for the goalies.

As the Indian hockey team camped at the SAI in Bangalore, Sreejesh spoke to the media criticizing the rule.
âI am against itâ said the keeper adding, âWhen you concede five goals and the board shows 10 itâs a bit demotivating for the goalkeeper. Itâs great entertainment for the spectators, but itâs a challenging task for the goalkeeper. Nowadays, conceding a field goal is worse than a penalty-corner, so we are more worried about that,â he told The Hindu in an exclusive interview.
Sreejesh has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the past year and was largely responsible for Indiaâs bronze-medal finish in the Hockey World League finals in 2015. Indiaâs hopes appeared in good hands when the custodian exuded confidence about the upcoming Rio Olympics, âAt the Olympics every goal feels like 10 goals. So we canât take it lightly. Whether itâs one or two goals doesnât matter. The team needs a strong goalkeeper. A couple of good saves can change the rhythm of the game.â
Attacker S.V. Sunil also was not in favor of the HIL rule saying, âIt helps the forwards.â
Sunil added, âWe will try more to score field goals. But I donât feel this should be implemented at the international level. It will be difficult for the team. If there is a goal difference of one, as the leading team we try to keep it tight but you do not know when the other side may score. Normally, you try more to score from penalty-corners and try to win the game that way. But you canât predict what will happen now,â reported The Hindu.

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