UAE-based entrepreneur and Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for the Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is from Kerala. The prize was announced after the hockey team won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics after 41 years.
“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," Dr Shamsheer said by congratulating the Kerala based player. Dr Shamsheer added that this cash prize is a token of their appreciation for all the hard work that Sreejesh has put in over the years.
Sreejesh, who is also a Padma Shri awardee, responded to the gesture saying that this prize was the biggest surprise and he is very happy at the encouragement he received from Dr Shamsheer. The cash prize will be presented at a special function in Kochi.
The Indian hockey team rewrote history in the Tokyo Olympics as it claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating a plucky Germany 5-4 to win the bronze in an edge- of-the-seat play-off match held on August 5.
Leading 5-4, India conceded a penalty corner six seconds from the final hooter, but Sreejesh and the defence once again came to the side's rescue. While Manpreet inspired the team with his leadership, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had a phenomenal tournament, standing like a wall when the opposition mounted an attack.
"It's been 41 years. In the 1980s we won the last medal and after that, nothing. Today when we won it, this gives a boost and gives energy to the youngsters to pick up hockey, play this game," the 35-year-old Sreejesh had said after the match.
"This is a beautiful game. Now we are giving a reason for them to pick up hockey, play the game," he added by saying it was a rebirth for the game.
(With PTI inputs)