The Paris Olympics hockey schedule is out and all the champion teams are pitted in one group. Does that put the Indian men’s hockey team, the bronze medallist in Tokyo, under pressure?
“It’s all about that day. Olympics is a place where you go and think about that day,” said PR Sreejesh, the veteran goalkeeper, whose stunning save against Germany in the bronze medal match is still part of Indian hockey folklore.
Hockey on the Podium assembled some top performers of Indian hockey on the stage. And Sreejesh gave an insight into the Indian team’s thought process, how they are already aiming for a medal in Paris also.
“The quarter-final, semi-final and the final, those three matches will be really important,” said Sreejesh.
Savita Punia, a legend in women’s hockey, was a part of the highs in Tokyo and the low in the qualifiers in Ranchi, where the women’s team failed to make the cut for Paris.
“We always give our best. Sometimes we don’t get what we expect. We have to come back strong. We will come back strong,” said Savita.
Sreejesh, meanwhile, had a word of advice for the women’s team. “Forget about Paris. Preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics start now.”
Viren Rasquinha, the former Indian men’s hockey team captain, detailed about how things have changed in hockey over the years. “Intelligence in training and the science in preparation have improved by leaps and bounds. Rolling substitutions have added a different dimension to the game,” he said. Rasquinha also batted for the Hockey India League’s revival.
Amit Rohidas had a tattoo in one of his hands after winning the medal in Tokyo. The other hand has been left vacant for Paris. “Please continue to support us the way you have been doing,” he said.