PR Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after back-to-back Olympic medals, explains why he couldn’t celebrate goals and why “goalkeeping” is a thankless job.
“Not just hockey, in any sport you see, people celebrate scoring,” Sreejesh said at Idea Exchange.
“But as a goalkeeper, I can make 10 saves but not celebrate, because if I concede a goal, people can say I celebrated too much.
“So, I keep my feelings.”
PR Sreejesh said nobody remembers the ten saves you made during the match but you conceded one goal.
“When I save a goal, I just wait for the next challenge,” he said.
Olympic medalist and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. (Express photo Gajendra Yadav)
“What about forwards and drag flickers? We can score three goals in 10 penalty corners. But they get to celebrate those three moments.
“What happens when I save 10 balls and then concede a goal? Look at the reactions.
“That’s why we say it’s a thankless job. Everyone remembers what you believe.”
Sreejesh also gave some insight into goalkeeping and why the goalpost is like a friend to him.
“Goalkeeping is like a different game on the hockey field,” he said.
“Outfield players don’t have time to think or reflect. They just forget their mistakes and play.
“But goalkeeping is different because you have time to think about your mistakes or saves. Neither is good.
“It became a relationship because the best part is that the goalpost never talks back; it just listens. It’s a place to vent frustration.”
“Talking at the goal post helps me control my emotions, create a routine and build camaraderie. After guarding that post for 24 years, it’s a great bond between a goalkeeper and a goal post.”
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