Sreejesh: HIL to Nurture Young Talent

New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is optimistic that the reintroduction of the Hockey India League (HIL) will act as a training ground for aspiring players to catch the eye of national selectors.

The HIL 2024-25 will include eight men's teams and six women's teams, representing the inaugural occasion when a dedicated women's league will operate simultaneously with the men's matches. This development will expand the talent pool for both the Indian men's and women's teams in the future.

Sreejesh, who concluded his career post-Paris Olympics with over a decade of international experience, stated that participation in the HIL will serve as a launchpad for novice players to gain invaluable experience from both Indian and international hockey stars.

"Honestly, this will be a nursery for young players. They will learn essential skills from this tournament, including how to manage pressure while playing in front of large crowds. Additionally, players will engage in numerous matches—over 10 or even 16 if they reach the finals," Sreejesh explained to IANS.

"In terms of teamwork, they will gain insights from senior players and international athletes regarding team management, motivation, communication during meetings, and match preparations. This tournament offers a wealth of knowledge that contributes to their maturation as players, and it is beneficial for all, not just beginners. Even seasoned international players can learn from those participating in this tournament," he added.

Although Sreejesh will not compete in the HIL, he is actively engaged as the director and mentor of the Delhi SG Pipers—the franchise participating in both men's and women's leagues, set to take place in Rourkela and Ranchi starting December 28.

Regarding the squad composition for the men's team, the 36-year-old expressed confidence in his former teammates from India, as well as junior team players, to deliver strong performances for the franchise.

"We have Shamsher, Jarmanpreet, Raju (Raj Kumar Pal) from the last Olympics, along with Varun Kumar, who experienced the thrill of Olympic success. They are all excited to be here. I trust they will mentor the younger players from my junior team, such as Rohit, Ankit, and Dilraj. These youngsters will benefit immensely from the guidance of these seasoned players," he remarked.

"The Delhi SG Pipers team has exceptionally talented young players. They are a fast and skilled group. As a director, my role is to ensure this team performs at their best. I constantly remind my players to enjoy this tournament because it is akin to an international match. They will compete against the world's top athletes and have the opportunity to learn and experiment. This platform could provide direct pathways to the national team. It is crucial to embrace this experience, and I, too, am learning a great deal as a director. This marks a new beginning for hockey," Sreejesh concluded.

Transitioning to a coaching role with the junior men's team after retiring from international play, Sreejesh praised Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera for maintaining the legacy he left behind.

"This is a significant opportunity for them. Pathak and Suraj joined me following the 2016 Junior World Cup and have been with me for nearly eight years. I have witnessed their growth from childhood to their current roles, and they are both exceptional goalkeepers. Meanwhile, Pawan and Mohith, who participated in the last Junior World Cup, are also performing admirably. They are pushing Suraj and Pathak to elevate their game further.

"The friendly competition among these four will propel Indian hockey and goalkeeping to new heights. I have set a standard, and now it is their responsibility to raise that bar even higher, ensuring future players have greater confidence in goalkeeping. I trust they will succeed in not making me feel missed on the field," Sreejesh concluded.