New Delhi, Sep 14: After playing a stellar role in India's title win at the Asian Champions Trophy, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is hoping that his exploits at the tournament will help him cement a place in the national hockey team.
Sreejesh is struggling to become a permanent member of the side ever since making his India debut five years back in the Colombo SAAF Games.
Sreejesh turned out to be one of the star performers for India in the Asian Champions Trophy, effecting two saves in the tie-breaker in India's 4-2 win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the summit clash of the tournament in Ordos, China.
The Kerela custodian, who plays for Indian Overseas Bank, also sparkled in the group stages of the tournament, conceding just three goals from the three matches he had played.
“I am really very satisfied with my performance. I played three matches, including the final and conceded only three goals, so I can take pride from my performance,” Sreejesh told PTI in an interview.
“So far I had to fight a lot with injuries and has been on and off from the team. But now I am fully fit and enjoying my hockey. The Champions Trophy performance boosted my confidence. I want to perform consistently for the team and hope it will help in making my presence felt,” he said.
Asked whom he would like to dedicate his performance, he mentioned the name of out-of-favour India goalkeeper Adrian D'souza, who he says “is my best buddy in the team”.
The lanky goalkeeper also feels that the Asian Champions Trophy title will do a world of good for erstwhile hockey giants, India, whose Australian coach Micheal Nobbs is battling against time to prepare the team for next year's London Olympic qualifiers. PTI
