Monday 16 / September / 2024
If Indian hockey team is on a revival path, then fair amount of credit goes to this stubborn man from state of Kerala. Most of India's title triumphs in recent past has come through penalty shootouts and the hero undoubtedly has been the rock-solid goalkeeper and India vice-captain Sreejesh P Raveendran, who is in Oman to witness the Asian Hockey Federation-sanctioned Gulf Hockey Fiesta organised by United Thalassery Sports Club's wing in Oman. In a tête-à-tête with Times of Oman Sports Editor, Sreejesh called for more tournaments in Oman and expressed his delight to be part of the Gulf event. He also expressed confidence in saying India will do well in Rio Olympics and were targeting a Top 3 finish. Following are excerpts from the interview....
Since you became top goalkeeper of India, what in your view is the progress you have witnessed in the national hockey scene?
The Indian team is really performing well in past few years ... We have beaten all the top ranked teams and gained a lot of confidence. Under the foreign coaches we have changed our style of play, tactics of the game, showing more bonding inside the field. And more importantly we are ready to face any team.
You have played significant roles in India's recent achievements, which in your view is your best performance so far?
There are a lot to mention ... but the Asian Games gold in 2014 is a great golden moment in my life
How do you see the disappointment of losing to Pakistan twice in the recent SAF Games?
At SAF Games — as you know that our core group was busy with HIL2016, so we didn't line up our main 35 players. And if our third string team delivered a wonderful performance against Pakistan, though losing and ending runners-up ... I feel proud of them
Hockey India League is yet to catch the attention as IPL (cricket) and ISL (football) or even Kabaddi League has... What could be the reason?
I believe HIL is popular enough and we have a lot of followers. But I think the involvement of the celebrities make the difference in the other league comparatively with HIL. If we can line up some top celebrities then HIL also will gain some more colourful attention
Is it because there are no big franchises from south India like other sports?
Yes ... That's also a reason for the less fan following from south India. I believe that HIL is going to introduce a new team from Bangalore next year.
If Rahul Dravid is called 'the Wall' in cricket, you are considered 'the Wall of hockey'...how do you react to this new term?
I feel proud to hear that people call me 'Wall of India'. It gives more responsibility and always alerts me to stay on my toes.
India has been the victim of conceding late goals and thereby let going victory chances? Is there any special focus on this now?
I think we have changed and improved in those areas. Now-a-days we started to score in the last minute and learn to win the matches
Why is there a dearth of talents from your state Kerala despite being so close to Coorg, which is considered a nursery of hockey?
There are talents in Kerala, but lack of opportunities, tournaments and look out for a secure future is forcing them to quit the game or drop it midway and look for something else. (Cheap Association politics makes a big impact in this)
What are India's chances in Rio Olympics?
Expecting a Top 6 finish..... But working hard to finish in Top 3.
Is this your first visit to Oman?
Yes this is my first visit to Oman. I am happy to be in Oman to witness a hockey fiesta.
How does it feel to be the chief guest of the grand UTSC Gulf Hockey Fiesta, which has also gained recognition from Asian Hockey Federation?
I'm feel proud of UTSC and the organisers. The passion for hockey makes them to take the initiative. Thanks to Javis and his team for inviting me.
What do you like to say to Oman hockey fans and your tips for making the game popular in the country?
Firstly, I think more opportunities to watch hockey must be provided to budding talents. Secondly, more tournaments in different categories must be organised in frequent intervals. Thirdly, exhibition matches between top teams must be organised to attract interest and finally, popular hockey teams must be approached for invitational tournaments. However, most importantly, proper training of young talents is necessary to build a bright future.
