The India men’s hockey team goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh played a crucial role in helping his team secure the Olympic bronze medal in the just concluded Tokyo Games.
Acknowledging Sreejesh’s heroics in the showpiece event, Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of UAE-based, VPS Healthcare on Monday announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for the goalkeeper.
“Through his outstanding performance at the Olympics, Sreejesh has brought joy to Indians around the world. As a fellow Malayali, I take tremendous pride in his achievement. Thanks to his efforts, the interest in hockey has been renewed. His performance, along with that of the entire Indian hockey team, will serve as encouragement for hundreds of youths in the country,” said Vayalil.
Meanwhile, Sreejesh also thanked Vayalil for his message and the gesture of appreciation saying: “Dr. Shamsheer has congratulated the entire team for this great achievement and offered his support to us. The announcement of the reward caught me by surprise. A reward for winning a medal in the Olympics is delightful news and I feel very fortunate to be the recipient.”
Significantly, Sreejesh had pulled off several saves during the showpiece event beside a stunning save in the last few seconds of the bronze medal match to help India end its medal drought in the sport.
Sreejesh, who will returns to India on Monday, will be presented with the cash prize at a special function in his hometown Kochi later this month.