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Xtra Time Web Desk: In an exclusive interaction with Indiatoday, India's legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh shared his thoughts on retirement rumors, his role as a 'coach' on the field, and the team's preparations for the Paris Olympics.

When India clinched the Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the nation erupted in joy. Ending a 41-year drought for an Olympic medal, India triumphed over Germany in a thrilling match to secure third place. Amidst the celebrations, a serene Sreejesh was seen perched atop the goal post, reflecting on the journey that led him to this moment.

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“That moment wasn't pre-planned. It was a spontaneous reaction. I sat there, thinking about my 21 years in the sport, from my first camp to the various injuries and setbacks. All those memories flashed before me,” Sreejesh reminisced.

Despite speculations, Sreejesh is not considering retirement anytime soon. The 36-year-old veteran is gearing up for his fourth Olympic appearance and is focused on giving his best performance in Paris.

“Retirement is not on my mind. Right now, my focus is on playing well in the Paris Olympics. Goalkeepers, like fine wine, get better with age,” he asserted.

Sreejesh's deep understanding of the game and his leadership qualities on the field are akin to those of a coach. He likened the team’s current training to a student revising before exams, emphasizing the importance of polishing strong areas and addressing weaknesses.

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“Our training is like a final revision before a board exam. We focus on individual and team strategies, refining goal-scoring techniques, and solidifying our defense,” Sreejesh explained.

India is grouped with formidable teams like Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. Sreejesh provided detailed insights into the strategies to tackle these teams, highlighting the importance of sticking to basics and maintaining confidence.

“Against Australia, we need to avoid mistakes and stick to our game plan. With Belgium, it’s crucial to challenge their experienced players and not underestimate them. We have the quality to beat both if we handle the pressure well,” he said.

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With his vast experience and keen analytical mind, Sreejesh sees himself transitioning into a coaching role in the future.

“Coaching is my passion. As a goalkeeper, I already act as a coach on the ground, organizing the defense and guiding the team. I’ve worked with many coaches and don’t want to waste that experience,” he stated.

As India prepares to embark on its Olympic journey on July 27 against New Zealand, fans can rest assured that with PR Sreejesh guarding the goal, the team is in safe hands. His unwavering dedication and leadership will undoubtedly inspire and steer India towards another historic performance.