Hailed as one of the most skilled custodians in front of the goal, PR Sreejesh will assume his new role as the goalkeeping coach of the India Under-21 team from Thursday when the team beigns their Junior Hockey World Cup campaign against Canada at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Lucknow.
Just a couple of days ago, during a casual interview post a shoot for Hockey India League, India’s most talented goalkeeper in the modern day era had revealed his desire to take up a coaching role sometime in the future. However, little did he know that he would realise this dream of his in just a matter of 48 hours or so.
Sreejesh, who has also been nominated for FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2016, and is the skipper of the senior men’s team will take over the reins from South African Dave Staniforth. Staniforth, who is all set to depart for home tomorrow had been roped in by Hockey India in order to train and hone the junior keepers for a short three-week stint prior to the World Cup.
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The young Indian Under-21 keepers Vikas Dahiya and Krishan B Pathak will both benefit under the aegis of Sreejesh who will not only provide them with sound technical knowledge but equally helpful insights and motivate them to perform better in each outing.
"I have worked with the junior goalkeepers in Bangalore camp for sometime before going for a break. Dave (Staniforth) has been training the goalkeepers for the last 3 weeks. But from tomorrow onwards I will be in charge of the goalkeeping aspect," Sreejesh was quoted as saying to the Press Trust of India.
India junior team head coach Harendra Singh said that Sreejesh’s presence will not only aid the goalkeepers but will be of great significance when it comes to the other players as well.
"Sree is currently one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. He is also a great motivator and fun loving guy. So his presence will be of great help," the coach said.
The first-choice keeper for the Indian colts, Vikas Dahiya who also plays as the stand-in keeper for Sreejesh in the senior side, echoed a similar opinion, "Sree bhai is a great goalkeeper and I have worked with him in the past as well. He is a fantastic jovial person to be with around. He always motivates and inspires everyone to bring out their best on the field."
India start their campaign tomorrow against Canada in a Pool D encounter.
