Asian Games | PR Sreejesh expresses his happiness on India starting tournament on a dominating note

08/23/2018

Indian men’s hockey team captain PR Sreejesh is very happy and excited to have started the Asian Games on a dominating note with thumping victory over hosts Indonesia and Hong Kong in their first two pool games. India defeated Indonesia 17-0 on Monday and thrashed Hong Kong 26-0 in the second game.

The victory margin of 26-0 was the biggest ever win for the Indians in their hockey history. The Men in Blue broke their previous record of 24-1 against the United States of America in the Los Angeles Olympics back in 1932. With two back-to-back big wins, Team India is pumped up to do well in their title defence race in Jakarta.

“It was very different and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very important to begin on a dominant note as we know there are some tough matches coming up next. It is great to set this record but more than that, it is important to play like this,” said Sreejesh.

This is the biggest win in Asian Games history as well. The Indians went on to break the previous record set by their arch-rivals Pakistan in 1978 Bangkok Asiad where they routed Bangladesh by 17-0 goals. As many as 14 Indians scored goals in their second encounter with drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh registering four to his name.

Such was India’s dominance against Hong Kong that the think-tank decided to go without a goal-keeper in last seven minutes and fielded an extra player. Both Sreejesh and fellow goalkeeper Krishan Pathak had an amazing time whenever on the turf and also enjoyed the carnage from the bench.

When Sreejesh was asked about remaining charged up when there was nothing much to do in games like previous ones, he replied, “You know what, that is the tricky part. The entire match you do not even get to touch the ball and are not even warmed-up enough, so there is a greater chance of conceding a goal when suddenly a ball comes out of nowhere.”

The chief coach of the Indian side Harendra Singh revealed that he knew about the chance of creating a new record during their second game had passed on the message to the Indian players at the half-time.

“At half-time when we led 14-0, I told the boys ‘you have a chance to create a legacy and I want all of you to be that team which will be remembered for a long, long time’. We set the target at 25 goals at least. Records are meant to be broken and this too will be overtaken too someday. But for now, let us all enjoy it,” said the Indian coach.

He, however, mentioned that the real Asian games will start from their next match against Japan and Team India is in Jakarta to win gold for the second consecutive time at the Asiad.

“We cannot forget that we are here to win the gold medal. These were more like practice matches and now the action will begin,” Harendra stated.