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P.R. Sreejesh: Career Highlights and Legacy

Personal Background:

  • Name: P.R. Sreejesh
  • Age: 36 years (as of the latest update)
  • Hometown: Kerala, India

2. Career Achievements:

  • International Caps: 330
  • Olympic Achievements:
    • Tokyo 2020: Secured a bronze medal, ending a 41-year medal drought for India in hockey.
    • Paris 2024: Secured another bronze medal, marking the end of his illustrious international career.

3. Notable Moments:

  • Tokyo 2020: Sreejesh perched himself on top of the goalpost after the bronze medal win.
  • Paris 2024: Prostrated in front of the goalpost and recreated his Tokyo moment, marking the end of his career.
  • Comparison: His gesture at Paris 2024 was reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar’s bowing to the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium.

4. Career Reflection:

  • Coaching Advice: Sreejesh reflected on advice from a coach to ensure that upon retirement, people would question ‘Why?’ not ‘Why not?’
  • Emotional Retirement: Expressed deep emotions about leaving his goalpost, which he referred to as his “home for the last 24 years.”

5. Contributions to Hockey:

  • Role: Renowned as one of the most dedicated goalkeepers in hockey.
  • Journey: Witnessed India’s journey from failing to qualify for the Olympics in 2008 to medaling in 2020 and 2024.
  • Evolution: Transitioned from an aggressive goalkeeper to a more composed leader, showing a deep emotional connection with his goalpost.

6. Leadership and Team Impact:

  • Captain’s Tribute: Harmanpreet Singh, the captain, praised Sreejesh for his dedication and commitment, describing him as an integral part of the team and expressing deep gratitude.

7. Legacy:

  • Dedication: Hailing from a non-hockey state, Kerala, Sreejesh’s dedication made him a superstar in the sport.
  • Emotional Bond: His relationship with his goalpost highlights his unique approach to the game and his emotional attachment to it.

Source: TH

 Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)  

1. When did P.R. Sreejesh make his international debut for India?

A) 2003

B) 2005

C) 2008

D) 2010

Answer: B) 2005
Explanation: P.R. Sreejesh made his international debut in 2005, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished career.

2. How many international caps did P.R. Sreejesh earn by the end of his career?

A) 300

B) 320

C) 330

D) 340

Answer: C) 330
Explanation: Sreejesh earned a total of 330 international caps, reflecting his extensive experience and longevity in the sport.

3. Which Olympics did P.R. Sreejesh help India secure a bronze medal?

A) London 2012

B) Rio 2016

C) Tokyo 2020

D) Paris 2024

Answer: C) Tokyo 2020
Explanation: Sreejesh was a key player in India’s bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

4. What significant gesture did Sreejesh make at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

A) He saluted the crowd.

B) He prostrated in front of the goalpost.

C) He raised his stick in victory.

D) He shook hands with every player.

Answer: B) He prostrated in front of the goalpost.
Explanation: At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sreejesh prostrated in front of the goalpost, reflecting his deep emotional connection with the sport.

5. Which Indian cricket legend’s gesture was compared to Sreejesh’s at Paris 2024?

A) Sourav Ganguly

B) Virat Kohli

C) Sachin Tendulkar

D) Rahul Dravid

Answer: C) Sachin Tendulkar
Explanation: Sreejesh’s gesture at Paris 2024 was compared to Sachin Tendulkar’s bowing to the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium.

6. What was Sreejesh’s advice from one of his coaches regarding retirement?

A) “Retire when you are at your peak.”

B) “People should ask ‘Why’ and not ‘Why not?’”

C) “Leave on a high note.”

D) “Make sure you are remembered.”

Answer: B) “People should ask ‘Why’ and not ‘Why not?’”
Explanation: The advice was to ensure that upon retirement, people question ‘Why’ you retired rather than ‘Why not’ retire, implying a sense of fulfillment and impact.

7. Which event did P.R. Sreejesh not experience during his career?

A) India failing to qualify for the Olympics in 2008

B) India reaching the quarterfinals in 2016

C) India winning the gold medal in 2024

D) India medaling in the 2020 Olympics

Answer: C) India winning the gold medal in 2024
Explanation: Sreejesh’s career included experiencing India’s bronze medals in 2020 and 2024, but not a gold medal in 2024.

8. Which of the following was a notable feature of Sreejesh’s playing style?

A) Passive and reserved

B) Aggressive and abusive

C) Defensive and cautious

D) Neutral and indifferent

Answer: B) Aggressive and abusive
Explanation: Sreejesh initially had an aggressive playing style and used strong language to motivate his teammates, which he later mellowed down.

9. What was Sreejesh’s emotional reaction before his last outing?

A) He felt relieved to retire.

B) He was indifferent about leaving the sport.

C) He was emotional and reflective about his goalpost.

D) He was eager to start a new career.

Answer: C) He was emotional and reflective about his goalpost.
Explanation: Before his last outing, Sreejesh expressed deep emotion about leaving his goalpost, which he considered his home for 24 years.

10. Who praised P.R. Sreejesh for his dedication and described him as an integral part of the team?

A) The Indian Hockey Federation

B) The Prime Minister of India

C) Harmanpreet Singh

D) The Chief Coach of the Indian Team

Answer: C) Harmanpreet Singh
Explanation: Captain Harmanpreet Singh praised Sreejesh for his dedication, highlighting his significant contribution to the team.

 

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