2024-09-03 08:28:53
New Delhi: The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a cash award of Rs 2 crore for Indian hockey veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a key role in the team’s second consecutive medal at the Paris Olympics. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, a decision in this regard was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It said, “PR Sreejesh, who was a member of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will be given a cash award of Rs 2 crore.” Sreejesh retired from the sport after the Paris Olympics.Odisha Chief Minister also showered money on the Indian hockey team
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced cash awards for the team members in which the state’s star player Amit Rohidas was given Rs 4 crore. Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was given Rs 50 lakh while other players of the team were given Rs 15 lakh each. The support staff was given Rs 10 lakh each.
Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh said on Wednesday that despite creating many chances, it was unfortunate to lose to Germany in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics. But at the same time, he termed the performance of winning the second consecutive bronze medal as a big achievement. India won the bronze medal by defeating Spain in Paris and thus repeated the performance of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Earlier, it had to face defeat by 2-3 to the current world champion Germany in the semi-finals. The Indian team was honored by the Odisha government on Wednesday.
What did captain Harmanpreet say?
Harmanpreet said on this occasion, ‘The match against Germany was very close. We created many chances but luck was not with us that day and we missed some opportunities.’ He said, ‘But I think winning the bronze medal was also very important. This was our last match in the tournament and I am feeling very happy after winning the match. Our effort was to fulfill our dream (of winning gold) but somehow luck did not favor us.’ Harmanpreet said, ‘We had a chance to win the bronze medal and we went on the field with the goal of winning. We have won two medals in a row and this is a big achievement.’ The Indian captain was very happy with the welcome and respect he received in Odisha. He said, ‘We are getting love and respect from all sides. Whenever the team comes here, whether it is to play in a tournament or after winning a medal, it always feels good… we get a lot of respect here.’