A grand welcome was given to PR Sreejesh, the goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team, who won a bronze medal in the recently concluded hockey team. Tokyo OlympicsHundreds of fans thronged the arrivals area to welcome their hero at the Cochin International Airport here on Tuesday evening. The welcome reception organized by the Kerala government was led by Sports Minister V Abdurhiman, which was attended by State Sports Council President Mercy Kuttan, MLA PV Srinijan and District Collector Jafar Malik among others.
Sreejesh’s family, including his parents, PV Raveendran and Ushakumari, wife PK Anishya and children Anushree and Sriansh, were present to welcome him at their home. In an emotional moment, Sreejesh put the medal around his father’s neck.
Later, he was taken along with the minister in an open jeep to his residence in Kizhakkambalam. After a small reception in his hometown, Sreejesh told the media that he was indeed very happy that he was given such a grand welcome. “This medal is an Onam gift for all,” he said while lifting the medal.
“Hockey is a good sport and we will feel addicted to it. I hope more parents send their kids to play hockey and in future I want better players to win gold in Olympics. Sportsman, he achieved his biggest dream which was to win a medal in the Olympics. “As a sportsperson, as a hockey player, my biggest ambition was to win a medal in the Olympics and I got it. I am sure the state government will recognize our victories and medals.”
Sreejesh said the weather affected the Indian team like all other teams. “It was humid and raining on a few days, but we got used to it and we did well. Our next target is the upcoming Asian Games which will help us qualify for the next Olympics. An edge-of-the-seat play-off match of the ongoing Games in Tokyo.
This was India’s third hockey bronze medal in Olympic history. The other two came at the 1968 Mexico City and 1972 Munich Games.
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