'A goalpost never talks back, it just listens... I’ve been guarding it for 24 years, it’s a great bond’

PR Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after back-to-back medals at the Olympics, looks back at his career and ahead to his journey as a mentor and coach.

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The session was moderated by Vinayakk Mohanarangan, Senior Assistant EditorVinayakk Mohanarangan: Manpreet Singh once said that a goalpost is like a friend to you. Tell us about that friendship.Goalkeeping is like a different game you are playing on the hockey field. The outfield players don't have time to think or reflect; they just play, forgetting their mistakes. But goalkeeping is different because you have time to overthink about your mistakes or saves. Both are not good. It became a relationship because the best part is that a goalpost never talks back; it just listens. It's a place to vent frustrations. Talking to the goalpost helps control my emotions, forming a routine, and a friendly relationship. After guarding that post for 24 years, it's a great bond between the goalkeeper and the goalpost.Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Before your last match, the bronze medal playoff against Spain at the Olympics, you spent time sitting on the backboard in the goal in an empty stadium. What were those moments like for you?

It was emotional. | started hockey in 2000 as a little kid in a sports school, not on a big stage. Playing for 24 years and knowing it was my last match as an international player, | wanted to let those emotions go. In an hour, | was going to get ready, warm up. | didn't want the emotions to hold me back once the match started. As | sat there, memories of my journey flashed in my mind. | reminded myself that my playing career was over, and | needed to focus on my business. It's my laptop wallpaper now, a reminder that ‘Sree, your career as a player is over’.PR Sreejesh at Idea Exchange: ‘A goalpost never talks back, it just listens... I've been guarding it for 24 years, it's a great bond’

Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Was there regret that you were playing a bronze medal match and not the gold?