'Tokyo for sure because...': Sreejesh Favors Tokyo Bronze Over Paris, Shares Reasons Behind Choice

Following P R Sreejesh's retirement from game after his incredible performance in India's second consecutive Olympic bronze at Paris Games, Hockey India recently me important decision to hour his outstanding career by retiring his jersey number at senior level. respected 36-year-old, who has played for over 20 years, will take on post of junior national coach, according to Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. . 16 jersey will be retired for senior squ but will still be in use at junior level.

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Indian Olympic hero P R Sreejesh claims Tokyo Olympics medal stays closer to his heart

A proud owner of two consecutive Olympic medals, Indian hockey star P R Sreejesh says bronze claimed in Tokyo three years ago is closer to his heart than one fetched in Paris as former was like a mythical tale coming true after deces of merely hearing about it.

36-year-old goalkeeper, who bid ieu to his international career at end of India's Paris campaign, was, in fact, a she disappointed with colour of medal this time as he felt team should have done better.

"Tokyo for sure because we won an Olympic medal after a long time. Earlier we used to hear what an Olympic medal means as hockey has a rich history of gold, silver and bronze medals. But it never came in our hands. So when we got it for first time, that was a moment," 

Sreejesh told PTI editors at its hequarters when asked to make difficult choice here on Tuesday.

"That time we were t sure about winning a medal but this time we were in top six and capable of beating any team. But (in Tokyo) to become a medallist was a dream," he explained difference.

India's hockey team h t won an Olympic medal in 41 years when it entered Tokyo Games.

Cut to Paris, side was expected to be among top two, which me a laudable third place finish look a bit disappointing and Sreejesh agreed.

"...this time, we h that hope that we are going to be (number) one. I feel it is a big disappointment (t to get a gold), it should have been a gold. big difference is re (in Tokyo) I was happy but here I was like...," he shrugged, unable to find right words for his emotions in Paris, where he also ended up being Indian contingent's flag-bearer in closing ceremony.

Paris bronze was India's 13th Olympic medal in hockey. It was also first time since 1972 that nation won back-to-back medals in hockey.

charismatic goalkeeper, who became a unifying force for team during campaign, was rock solid in his role throughout and was deservedly given a farewell to remember.

His voice became shaky more than once as he recalled those moments, which included him sitting on goalpost while his teammates bowed to him and being carried on shoulders by skipper Harmanpreet Singh at end of bronze medal match.

way teammates gave me farewell was fantastic ================================= Sreejesh, who has 336 international caps, was overwhelmed by way his teammates accorded him farewell and was seen with tears in his eyes once side ensured a podium finish in French capital.

"That was a fantastic moment. Whenever a player goes out, I have never seen everyone walking you out of field. That was a proud moment. Whenever I was thinking about my retirement, I told players 'you guys form two lines and I would just walk in between you'," he said.

"This was like far better than that. You are celebrating and all youngsters are with you, you are sitting on top of goalpost. After victory Harmanpreet (Singh) said climb on my shoulders, but I said leave you can't pick me. n he was carrying me and I was like I don't need anything more than that.

"n I got to kw I am flag-bearer (for closing ceremony). This was like cherry on cake," ded Sreejesh, who represented India in four Olympics.

Asked just why is he choosing to retire despite still being strong under post, imposing goalkeeper from Kerala replied: 

"During last Olympics, one of my coaches said when you retire, people should ask 'why', y shouldn't ask 'why t'.

"That thing was re in my mind and I thought this is it, give your best...w I am so happy and I think this is right time to retire." 

(With PTI inputs)