Others

Indian hockey's legendary goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, etched his name in history once again with a heartwarming gesture during the team's thrilling victory over Great Britain in the Paris Olympics 2024 quarter-finals.As the Indian team celebrated their hard-fought 4-2 shootout win, Sreejesh's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for his wife, Aneeshya. In a moment of pure love and gratitude, he pointed to the camera, revealing her name proudly written on his hockey stick.This heartfelt gesture captured the hearts of millions on social media, with fans praising Sreejesh's dedication and love for his family. "Emotions," wrote one fan, while another exclaimed, "Congratulations Team India!"Sreejesh's performance on the field was equally remarkable. The veteran goalkeeper made several crucial saves throughout the match, denying Great Britain scoring opportunities and inspiring his teammates. In the penalty shootout, he saved two shots, helping India secure a place in the semifinals.After the match, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude to his team and his wife. "It's a daily job of a goalie," he said. "But today is our day. Even in the shootout, the guys who took shots didn't disappoint.""They scored and that gave me enough confidence," he added.Sreejesh's performance and gesture have become a symbol of the Indian team's resilience and determination. As they prepare for the semifinals, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their goalkeeper's unwavering spirit and love for his family.

India's hockey team, buoyed by their resilient performance against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, will face a formidable challenge in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics against reigning world champions Germany. The Indians, who won bronze in Tokyo, are aiming to better their medal color and make history by securing a silver or gold.India's quarterfinal victory was a testament to their tenacity and determination. Despite playing with 10 men for nearly 40 minutes after Amit Rohidas' red card, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side held Britain to a 1-1 draw in regulation time and emerged victorious in the shootout. Veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, playing his last international tournament, was instrumental in the win, making several crucial saves, including two in the shootout.Rohidas' suspension for the semifinal is a setback for India, as he is a key defender and penalty corner specialist. However, the team is confident in their ability to overcome this challenge. "We are focused on the task at hand," said Harmanpreet, who has been India's leading scorer at the Games with seven goals. "Every player stepped up and even until the last minute, we were fighting back."Germany, ranked fourth in the world, is a familiar opponent for India in high-stakes tournaments. The two teams met in the bronze medal match in Tokyo, where India emerged victorious. In the days leading up to the Paris Games, India played Germany in practice matches and won five out of six contests.The other semifinal will feature Netherlands and Spain. India will be hoping to repeat their success against Germany and secure a place in the final. A semifinal win would guarantee India a silver medal, which they last won in the 1960 Rome edition.

India's dismal performance at the Sydney Olympics, with only a single medal, served as a catalyst for the Indian Army's establishment of Mission Olympics Win. This program, designed to nurture Olympic medalists, inadvertently led to Brigadier (Dr.) Bibhu Nayak's full-time involvement in sports.Dr. Nayak's passion for sports ignited while assisting athletes as part of an Army medical team. His subsequent training in Cuba and postings at the Army Sports Institute and Indian boxing team honed his expertise in sports science. In 2009, he joined the Indian hockey team, where he remained until 2014.Today, as the Director of the National Centre for Sports Sciences and Research at the Sports Authority of India, Dr. Nayak is part of the Indian Olympic Association's medical team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the former FIH chairman for health and safety, he oversees the recovery room established exclusively for Indian athletes within the Olympic Village.Dr. Nayak played a pivotal role in budgeting and acquiring recovery and rehab equipment for the recovery room, including ice baths, sleep pods, and Game Ready cryo-compression and contrast therapy units. The Indian embassy in Paris facilitated the procurement of equipment, with Air Commodore Prashant Arya, air attaché, coordinating with local vendors."After the Games, two sleep pods will be allocated to the SAI Bengaluru campus, and one to SAI Patiala," said Dr. Nayak, who is attending his fourth Olympics.Dr. Nayak's journey from Army doctor to sports scientist to Olympic medical team member exemplifies the transformative power of sports and the unwavering commitment of individuals like him to the pursuit of excellence.

Indian Hockey Team's Unconventional Bootcamp in the Swiss Alps: Building Resilience and TeamworkIn preparation for the Paris Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team embarked on an extraordinary two-day bootcamp in the Swiss Alps with renowned adventurer Mike Horn. This unconventional detour aimed to enhance the players' mental resilience, teamwork, and strategic thinking.Horn, who has previously worked with the Indian cricket team and IPL franchises, led the players through a series of challenging activities, including glacier walking, mountain climbing, via ferrata, and waterfall rappelling. These experiences pushed the players out of their comfort zones and tested their limits.According to Horn, these activities foster mental resilience, enabling athletes to stay focused under pressure. They also strengthen team bonds and trust, as players face challenges together. Additionally, they enhance strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial skills in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.Horn shared personal anecdotes from his expeditions, exposing the players to the pressures of life and death. These stories resonated with the team, providing them with a fresh perspective on handling pressure in their own sport.The bootcamp began at Glacier 3000, where the players walked with harnesses. Initially, some players expressed apprehension, but their concerns dissipated after spending the night in a hostel and cycling to Rougemont.Horn gradually increased the intensity of the activities, culminating in a night spent on hay without sleeping bags or mattresses. This experience tested the players' adaptability and resilience.By the end of the camp, the players had embraced the challenges and developed a newfound sense of camaraderie and achievement. They left with a fresh perspective on handling pressure, a crucial skill for the upcoming Olympics.

The Indian men's hockey team secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Ireland in a Pool B match at the Paris Olympics, solidifying their position in the quarterfinals. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led the charge with a brace, scoring in the 13th and 19th minutes.Despite a few defensive lapses, India dominated the first half, consistently penetrating the Irish circle. Harmanpreet's first goal came from a penalty stroke awarded after Gurjant intercepted the ball and passed it to Mandeep Singh, who was tackled by Shane O'Donoghue.In the second quarter, India doubled their lead through a penalty corner converted by Harmanpreet. Ireland had a chance to reduce the deficit with a penalty corner, but India's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a crucial save.The second half saw Ireland improve their performance, earning eight penalty corners in the third quarter alone. However, India's defense held firm, preventing Ireland from scoring.In the final quarter, Ireland continued to press, earning two more penalty corners, but their finishing let them down. India's victory takes them to seven points from three matches, while Ireland's defeat eliminates them from the quarterfinal race.Belgium and Australia, both unbeaten, have six points each and will face off later in the day. Argentina and New Zealand are likely to compete for the fourth spot in Pool B, with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Craig Fulton's defensive strategy will face its ultimate test as India embarks on their Olympic campaign in Paris. The world No.7 team aims to secure consecutive Olympic medals for the first time in over half a century.To achieve this, India must overcome formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, and Germany. Former India forward SV Sunil emphasizes the importance of a strong defense, stating that "if we keep our defense strong, then we can finish on the podium."India's recent performances in the Pro League and their tour of Australia have highlighted the need for defensive improvement. They conceded 21 goals in eight Pro League games and were whitewashed 5-0 by Australia.Former India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne stresses the significance of converting limited opportunities, saying, "You will not get many and if you need too many chances to score you will not win these matches."India will face New Zealand in their opening match on July 27th. A strong start is crucial, as a win can set the tone for the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh, India's captain, acknowledges New Zealand's strength and emphasizes the need to maintain momentum throughout the game.India's Olympic campaign will be a test of their defensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. If they can execute Fulton's strategy effectively, they have the potential to challenge for a medal in Paris.

The Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, promise to be a spectacle that will captivate the world. With 329 events across 32 sports, including four new additions, the Games will showcase the pinnacle of athleticism and human achievement.For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium but will instead begin on the river Seine. An armada of boats will carry over 200 delegations of athletes along the river, through the heart of Paris. This unique spectacle will set the stage for an unforgettable Games.India will be eagerly watching its athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and the Indian archers and men's hockey team. Chopra, the defending javelin throw champion, will be aiming to retain his title and add to India's medal tally.In shooting, India has secured quotas in every Olympic category for the first time. Trap shooter Bhowneesh Mendiratta earned the first quota, but Prithviraj Tondaiman was ultimately selected for the team.Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief medical officer of the Indian contingent, has assured that the athletes are in prime condition for the Games. "All the athletes going for the Olympics are fit right now," he said. "They may have minor niggles, but they are all capable and fit enough to compete."

The Indian men's hockey team's failure to qualify for the 2008 Olympics marked a turning point in their history. Despite being eight-time Olympic gold medalists, they had not won a major title since the 1975 World Cup. A significant financial investment aimed at reversing their fortunes led to their return to the Olympics in 2012, but it proved disastrous. India finished last in the 12-team competition, and their players' lackluster approach shocked observers.Former Australian player and India's chief coach, Michael Nobbs, expressed his disappointment at the players' complacency. He noted their reluctance to engage in physical challenges and their casual execution of shots. Nobbs emphasized the need for a "killer instinct" and a willingness to sacrifice for the team.In contrast to India's struggles, seasoned Australian defender Matt Dawson demonstrated unwavering determination. Despite injuring his finger in training, he underwent an amputation to remain in contention for the Olympics. Such commitment highlights the physical risks that players are willing to take in modern hockey.International hockey has evolved into a fast-paced and competitive sport where physicality plays a crucial role. Teams rely heavily on analysis to identify weaknesses and exploit them. The results of the recent FIH Pro League will have little bearing on the Olympics, providing India with an opportunity to improve their performance under coach Craig Fulton.Harmanpreet Singh, India's captain, has been a key player with his drag flicks, but opponents have developed strategies to neutralize his threat. He recognizes the need to introduce new elements into his shots to maintain his effectiveness.At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper P R Sreejesh's experience will be invaluable. His ability to maintain defensive structure and deal with penalty corners will be crucial.While the bronze medal at Tokyo could motivate India, it could also weigh them down. They have struggled to replicate their success and finished among the also-rans at the 2023 World Cup. However, the Olympic preliminary pool draw provides them with an opportunity to gain momentum against lower-ranked opponents before facing tougher challenges.India's performance against Argentina could determine their quarter-final draw and potentially set them up for a favorable matchup. They have a history of defeating Argentina, having done so in the 2016 Olympics.

Sanjay, a 23-year-old defender and drag-flicker, has made history by becoming the youngest and most inexperienced player on India's 16-member hockey squad for the Paris Olympics. Despite his limited international experience of just 35 matches, Sanjay's impressive performances in trials and his ability to defend fearlessly earned him a spot on the team.Sanjay's selection has raised eyebrows, as many expected his more experienced teammate Jugraj Singh to be chosen. However, the selectors and chief coach Craig Fulton saw something special in Sanjay, who played a key role in India's Asian Games gold medal victory last year.Sanjay's inclusion is crucial for India, as it provides a much-needed second penalty corner (PC) specialist to partner the brilliant Harmanpreet Singh. Top teams often have multiple world-class drag-flickers, and Sanjay's presence will give India a significant advantage.Sanjay's childhood coach, Gurminder Singh, believes his protege has the potential to shine on the world's biggest stage. He praised Sanjay's strength, ball sense, and ability to handle pressure.Sanjay's selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has trained tirelessly at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy since 2011 and has consistently impressed with his performances in the Pro League.Sanjay's ability to defend fearlessly is another key factor in his selection. He is known for his man-to-man marking and his willingness to take a hit. This defensive prowess will be invaluable to India in Paris.Sanjay is confident in his abilities and is determined to make the most of his Olympic debut. He said, "The coach has trusted my abilities. I'll try to play my best hockey in Paris."Sanjay's selection is a reminder that age and experience are not always the only factors in determining success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his teammates, Sanjay has the potential to make a significant impact on India's Olympic campaign.