In the realm of Indian hockey, few names resonate as powerfully as P.R. Sreejesh. Known for his incredible reflexes, indomitable spirit, and unwavering determination, Sreejesh has carved a niche for himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the sport. His journey, from the small-town fields of Kerala to the grand arenas of international hockey, is a one in a million story of resilience, mental fortitude and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
The Unique Challenges of Goalkeeping
Sreejesh’s career has been defined by the unique pressures of being a goalkeeper. “Pressure is there, but when I was starting out, it was more about insecurity,” he shares. “Goalkeeping is a position where you don’t have a lot of choices. If you don’t play well today, you might not get an opportunity tomorrow. You need to be at your best every time you’re on the field; otherwise, you might be out of the team. For the players, it’s different; they can be subbed in and out. Even a youngster can get a direct entry into the team. It’s not the same for goalkeepers; it’s a gruesome process.”
This high-stakes environment shaped Sreejesh into the stalwart guardian of the goalpost, always pushing himself to be at his best, knowing that one slip could cost him dearly.
Battling Mental Demons
Throughout his career, Sreejesh faced numerous mental challenges, particularly in the early days. He vividly recalls a pivotal moment: “In 2006, at the SAFF games, in a match against Pakistan, there were some fans behind my goalpost who were abusing me, yelling, calling me names. I was playing my first senior international final. It really affected me. I started making mistakes and conceding goal after goal. I thought I was done. It shook me.”
The support of his coach during this time was crucial. “I went to the coach, and he told me it wasn’t my mistake. He told me not to overthink and said I should learn from the incident. That incident helped me mentally prepare for a lot of other things.”
This early lesson in mental resilience became a cornerstone of Sreejesh’s career, enabling him to withstand the pressures and scrutiny that come with being in the spotlight.
Perceptions and Self-Worth
Being called ‘The Wall of Indian Hockey’ has been both a source of pride and a challenge for Sreejesh. He recalled, “Media would call me ‘The Wall of Indian Hockey.’ In 2017, when I was injured, another goalkeeper performed really well and overnight, he became ‘The Wall of Indian Hockey.’ These things happen. Instead of worrying about what others think of you, it’s about what you think of yourself and how you are managing your mind and body,” he says.
Sreejesh’s ability to focus on his self-worth rather than external validation has been instrumental in his enduring success. It’s a lesson he imparts to younger players, emphasising the importance of mental strength and personal growth over public perception.
Staying Present
One of the most profound pieces of advice Sreejesh offers is the importance of staying present. “Behind that helmet, there’s a lot of pressure. The game is 60 minutes, and the fun part about how your mind works is – if you concede a goal, you may not get the ball for another 5 minutes, and you can’t help feeling guilty about letting your team down. So many questions pop up in your mind.
“On the other hand, if you save a goal, you’re again not getting the ball for another 5 minutes. You’re really pumped up and hype yourself up. As a goalkeeper, being in the present is important. You’ve conceded a goal; forget about it. Think of what is next. You’ve saved a goal; forget about it. Think of what is next. For a youngster, in any sport, staying in the present, no matter the past, is the key.”
This philosophy has been central to Sreejesh’s approach, allowing him to maintain focus and composure under pressure.
Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on his journey, Sreejesh shares what he would tell his younger self: “There is no one piece of advice for becoming the best. I always tell youngsters one thing – learn your basics right. Second, know your limits, know your body, and push yourself hard. Third, work hard but there’s no point in training for 10 hours if you’re working on the wrong technique; it won’t help you.”
As he prepares to hang up his boots, Sreejesh’s legacy is a rich tapestry woven with moments of brilliance and lessons learned. His journey from a small-town boy with a dream, to a global icon of Indian hockey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of loved ones. As he bids farewell to the sport, Sreejesh leaves behind a blueprint for success, not just in hockey but in life.