Sreejesh voices frustration at India”s showing in Hockey World Cup, demands accountability

NEW DELHI: (Aug 27) Legendary goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh on Monday voiced his frustration over India’s underwhelming showing at the FIH World Cup, saying there must be “accountability” and that the global event cannot be treated as a “dress rehearsal.”

The Indian men’s team lost 3-5 to Argentina in Amstelveen on Monday, extinguishing their wafer-thin hopes of reaching the semifinals. The women’s team, meanwhile, succumbed to the pressure of a must-win game and were knocked out of semifinal contention after being held to a goalless draw by Australia on Saturday.

A member of India’s bronze medal-winning teams at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, Sreejesh said someone needs to ask the “difficult” and “uncomfortable” questions over the lacklustre performances.