Every save, dive, roar of crowd will forever echo in my soul: Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as he plays his last match today

PR Sreejesh, Indian goalkeeper for field hockey, will be on the field for the last time representing India on International stage in Thursday's match against Spain at the Paris Olympics.

Prior to the Paris Olympics, Sreejesh had announced his retirement plans and that this event would mark his last international outing for India.

Taking to X, Sreejesh, often called 'the wall', said that his "journey from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary."


Sreejesh has featured in as many as four Olympics and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The 36-year-old has been a part of the Indian side since 2006 and cemented his position as India's goalkeeper in 2011.

"As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories. Forever a custodian of dreams. Jai Hind," Sreejesh said ahead of the final hurrah.


Sreejesh is a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. Moreover he is only the second Indian sportsperson to win the World Games Athlete of the Year award.

Winning back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022 is a testament to the fact that he's one of the finest keepers the world has ever seen.

India lost to Germany in the semifinals 3-2 and will face Spain, eyeing a podium finish in the bronze medal match. The match starts at 5.30 PM.

Paris Olympics: Catch all live updates here.