In his fourth and probably last Olympics, India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has learnt a valuable lesson from the T20 World Cup-winning cricket team — "never give up or celebrate early". And this is something that will be embedded in his mind in the Paris Olympics.
The Indian cricket team rose from the ashes in the final of the T20 World Cup, snatching a seven-run victory over South Africa from the jaws of defeat to finally secure an ICC trophy after 11 years.
"I did watch the final. The biggest learning from this World Cup is not to celebrate before the last ball. South Africa were almost winning till the 15th over, but the Indian team did not give up hope and snatched the win from the jaws of defeat," Sreejesh, who has 328 India caps, said.
"That's what not only us (hockey team), but every Olympic-bound athlete can learn from our cricket team. Never give up, just wait and fight till the last moment, and you will achieve it. I will remember this in the Olympics," Sreejesh added.
Sreejesh still remembers the advice he got from former India cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid. "I met Dravidbhai long back. He told us about the importance of having patience and waiting for your moment. That's what I did.
"I did not become one of the best goalkeepers in the world overnight. I waited for my opportunities. I have also learnt to remain humble from him," Sreejesh said.
He started playing hockey to get grace marks in the board exams, but went on to win an Olympic medal — bronze in Tokyo — and also became the only goalkeeper from the country to feature in four Olympics.
"It's a great honour and a proud moment, but comes with a lot of responsibilities. You need to guide the youngsters, keep the team together and help to achieve the common goal of winning a medal at the Olympics," said the former FIH (International Hockey Federation) player of the year.
"It's a dream journey. I just started playing this game for grace marks in the board exams. But today, I am the first goalkeeper (from India) going to play my fourth Olympics. It's hard to believe."
