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Veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is all set to play his final game for India, penned an emotional message for fans. Sreejesh-featuring Indian team will be up against World number 8 Spain in the bronze medal match at Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday, August 8. As Sreejesh had announced his retirement plans before his fourth appearance at the Olympics, he will take on the field one last time as Men in Blue will clash against Spain for a third-podium finish.
Before his final match as Indian goalkeeper, Sreejesh shared an emotional message with fans and said that he would cherish the memories. He tweeted, “As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary.” He added, “Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories.”
Notably, Sreejesh has so far played 328 games for India after making his international debut in 2006. His 18-year-old career will come to an end of Thursday, and he will hope and fight for his second Olympic medal. Sreejesh made his debut at the 2006 South Asian Games and was part of various memorable wins for India, including a gold at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze win in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang.
Apart from that, the 36-year-old was also a part of the Asian Champions Trophy-winning side in 2018 and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals champion team. Sreejesh led the Indian hockey team for a significant team and led the side to the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics 2016.
