PR Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after back-to-back medals at the Olympics, says why he never celebrated the goals and explains why “goalkeeping” is a thankless job.
“Not just hockey, in any game, you see, people celebrate scoring,” Sreejesh said at The Idea Exchange.
“But as a goalkeeper, I can make 10 saves but don’t get to celebrate, because if I concede a goal, people may say I over-celebrated.
“So, I hold my emotions.”
PR Sreejesh said no one remembers the ten saves you have made during the match but they do remember that one goal you conceded.
“Whenever I save a goal, I just wait for the next challenge,” he said.
Olympic medalist and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. (Express photo by Gajendra Yadav)
“What happens with the forwards and drag flickers? In 10 penalty corners, we may score three goals. But they get to celebrate those three moments.
“What happens when I save 10 balls and then one goal is conceded? Look at the reactions.
“That’s why we say it’s a thankless job. The ones you concede are what everyone remembers.”
Sreejesh also gave few insights on goalkeeping and why the goalpost is like a friend to him.
“Goalkeeping is like a different game you are playing on the hockey field,” he said.
“The outfield players don’t have time to think or reflect; they just play, forgetting their mistakes.
“But goalkeeping is different because you have time to overthink about your mistakes or saves. Both are not good.
“It became a relationship because the best part is that a goalpost never talks back; it just listens. It’s a place to vent frustrations.
“Talking to the goalpost helps control my emotions, forming a routine, and a friendly relationship. After guarding that post for 24 years, it’s a great bond between the goalkeeper and the goalpost.”
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