KUALA LUMPUR: Will the retirement of PR Sreejesh, called the Great Wall of Indian hockey, affect his national team?
Yes, according to former Malaysia goalkeeper and national goalkeeper
s coach S. Kumar.
Kumar said Sreejesh is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
"He helped India to win titles with his brilliant saves. They will definitely miss his services.
Sreejesh, 36, retired after helping India win an Olympic bronze in Paris recently. Sreejesh, from Kochi, Kerala, won the FIH best male goalkeeper award in 2020 and 2021.
"India has another good custodian in Krishan Bahadur Pathak, but to be a great keeper like Sreejesh is going to be a challenge.
Despite Sreejesh's retirement, Kumar said Asian Games champions India would still be the favourites at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, from Sept 8-17.