'A Crowning Moment For Me': PR Sreejesh Reacts After Winning FIH Goalkeeper Of The Year Award

Delhi SG Pipers, SG Sports, Media and Entertainment backed franchise of upcoming Hockey India League, congratulated its Director of Hockey and Team Mentor PR Sreejesh on winning prestigious FIH Goalkeeper of Year award at FIH (Hockey) Stars Awards.

Double Olympic medallist Sreejesh prevailed over Nerlands' Pirmin Blaak, Luis Calzo of Spain, Jean-Paul Danneberg of Germany and Argentina's Tomas Santiago to bag top hour.

36-year-old Sreejesh retired from game after winning a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year following a stellar 18-year-old career during which he me 366 appearances for India.

Besides two Olympic medals, Sreejesh has won two gold and one bronze medal at Asian Games, two Champions Trophy silvers, two Commonwealth Games silver medals, an Asia Cup silver, four Asian Champions Trophy gold and silver medals among ors.

Sreejesh was also captain of national team and led India to quarterfinals of 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sreejesh, nicknamed as " Wall of Indian Hockey", played vital roles in India's bronze medal-winning feats at Tokyo and Paris Olympics with his performances under post.

It is Sreejesh's third FIH Goalkeeper of Year award having achieved recognition back-to-back in 2021 and 2022. He is also recipient of country's prestigious hours including Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and World Games Athlete of Year recognition in 2022.

Congratulating Sreejesh on achievement and his phemenal career, Delhi SG Pipers He Coach Graham Reid said, " Delhi Pipers family extend its heartfelt congratulations to Sreejesh on being awarded prestigious FIH Goalkeeper of Year. Over years, I have h privilege of coaching several exceptional athletes, but Sreejesh stands out as a true champion who transcends game of hockey and era in which he played.

"Sreejesh's remarkable ability to apt and transform his game in response to evolving styles and strategies has solidified his status as one of best goalkeepers in modern hockey. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have t only inspired his teammates but have also left an indelible mark on sport itself.

"On behalf of all members of Delhi Pipers, we celebrate this significant achievement and look forward to witnessing Sreejesh's continued success on and off field. His commitment to excellence serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes everywhere," Australian ded.

Sreejesh was undoubtedly delighted with recognition and said this award will inspire next generation of Indian goalkeepers.

"This award is a recognition to all my achievements and is a crowning moment for me as a player. It is going to be an inspiration for next generation, players who played alongside me and junior team goalkeepers who are w working with me. I hope this award can be an inspiration for m. It's a great hour and I am so happy," PR Sreejesh said after winning award.

"You can't expect more than this, this is best thing that happened to me."