From Reluctant Player to Legendary Goalkeeper: The Unexpected Journey of Sreejesh
Indian hockey legend Sreejesh reveals his surprising path to becoming a top goalkeeper, driven by a quest for academic advantages rather than passion for the sport.
BNH BUREAU
Kerala- Indian hockey's celebrated goalkeeper Sreejesh, who has recently retired from the sport, never originally aspired to be a hockey player. His entry into the sport was motivated by a desire for academic advantages rather than a passion for hockey.
In a candid revelation, Sreejesh shared that his initial goal was to secure grace marks provided by the Kerala government to state-level athletes, a benefit offered to students in 10th grade. With this incentive in mind, he aimed to make a mark in any sport at the state level. Before settling on hockey, Sreejesh explored various sports including football and basketball. Despite his rigorous training, he soon realized that his weight and average height made it challenging to secure a spot on the state teams for these sports.
During this period, after discussions with close friends and family, Sreejesh decided to try his luck with hockey. Initially, he struggled to find his footing and began by learning dribbling. However, the rigorous demands of maintaining fitness and constant running on the field were taxing, particularly due to his heavier build.
It wasn’t until he observed a hockey goalkeeper on the field—standing still and focused solely on stopping the ball—that he found his niche. Sreejesh recognized that the goalkeeper position suited him perfectly and decided to dedicate himself to mastering it. His newfound commitment and hard work eventually led him to become one of India’s most revered hockey players.
Sreejesh’s journey from a reluctant participant to a legendary figure in Indian hockey is a testament to how unexpected paths can lead to extraordinary achievements.
