PR Sreejesh Calls for More Youngsters in Team India

Legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has stressed the need to introduce more young players into the national hockey team. Reflecting on India’s recent World Cup performance and the team’s prospects at the Asian Games, Sreejesh said the two tournaments are different in terms of competition and standards. He believes India has a strong chance of winning gold at the Asian Games, where it has enjoyed considerable success over the years. Sreejesh also pointed out that the tournament is particularly important because the Asian Games champion earns direct qualification for the Olympics. According to him, young players should be gradually integrated into the senior team and given enough exposure to adapt to the pace and intensity of international hockey.

Sreejesh also identified areas where India needs to improve. He said the team has plenty of individual talent but needs greater consistency, particularly in defence and attacking play. India conceded too many goals at the World Cup and also missed several scoring opportunities, he noted. He added that opponents have been developing strategies to contain captain Harmanpreet Singh, making it important for India to have plans to counter such tactics. Sreejesh said European teams operate at a different level in attack and that India should work towards matching them through long-term planning. He believes changes will take time to produce results and that players and coaches must remain committed to the process.