As India won the bronze medal in hockey at the Paris Olympics, the players went wild in celebration.
But PR Sreejesh calmly walked to one end of the ground and crouched in front of the goalpost – his home for nearly two decades.
He may miss that home, but India will miss him even more. The goalkeeper, who played his last international match on Thursday, leaves a glorious legacy behind him.
„The Wall of India”, as he is popularly known, played an important role in India’s stage cover. His side were leading 2-1 and Spain were fighting hard for an equaliser, but Sreejesh thwarted their efforts, especially in the dying minutes of the match.
The instincts and tactful dives he is known for were on full display. His influence on the game can be understood from the fact that the Spaniards won nine penalty corners but were unable to convert any. Sreejesh and his security team put their bodies on the line to protect their lead till the end.
The former Indian captain is also credited with bringing India into medal contention. The knock-out game against Great Britain went to a penalty shoot-out and again it was down to the wall to defend his team – which he did with two excellent saves.