New Delhi, Jan 25:
Indian senior men’s hockey team captain P R Sreejesh today dedicated the Padma Shri award to his teammates soon after he was nominated for the prestigious recognition.
Sreejesh along with Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and athlete Vikas Gowda were today shortlisted for the Padma Shri award.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my team who have been exceptionally good over the past few years. We have grown together from strength to strength and have enjoyed success as well as lifted each other from heart breaking defeats. My recognition could not have been possible if not for the team work,” said an elated Sreejesh.
Regarded as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world, Sreejesh, from a little-known village called Kizhakkambalam, beat several odds to climb the echelons in hockey.
He first made it to the junior national team in 2004 against Australia in Perth. Srejeesh’s senior team debut came in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo.
He was awarded the best goalkeeper of the tournament when India won the Asia Cup in 2008. Sreejesh became a regular member of the Indian senior men’s team from 2011 onwards and since has been instrumental in helping India win several important tournaments. (PTI)
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