In a freewheeling conversation with Hockey Te Charcha, Familia \u2013 a special series launched by Hockey India ahead of the Olympic Games where family members of Indian hockey stars share insights into the support system at home that allows the players to chase their dreams, Aneeshya Sreejesh opened up about the champion\u2019s journey in the sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe were classmates and have known each other for 22 years. I was an athlete at that time. I have seen his whole journey, right from when he was struggling. It is great to see him achieve his goals now.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
An ayurvedic doctor herself, Aneeshya juggles her career while taking care of everything at home when her husband is away, showing the incredible amount of support from the family that goes into having a successful career like Sreejesh. \u201cThe real struggle is spending time away from him. He\u2019s doing really well for the country so taking care of the kids at home is the least I could do,\u201d she said modestly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, Aneeshya said, there is immense excitement back in Kochi where Sreejesh resides. \u201cWe are all really excited for the Paris Olympics, which will be his fourth one. This is truly special and we all expect nothing less than gold.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nostalgic about his career which has lasted nearly 20 years including his days as a Junior India player, Aneeshya pointed out his career-threatening knee injury in 2017 to be the most challenging phase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe injury he had in 2017 was the most challenging one in his career. He thought he wouldn\u2019t be able to play again. But he took it on with a lot of strength and dedication and that\u2019s why he\u2019s at the level he is at now. It was around the time our son (Sreeansh) was born. I think spending time with our son helped Sreejesh look at the injury phase positively,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian men\u2019s hockey team beat Germany to win a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Sreejesh playing a crucial role, bringing much joy to the nation and his family in particular. Speaking about the elation back at home, Aneeshya said, \u201cIt was a great moment filled with happiness, pride, and relief. I don\u2019t really know what the exact emotion was but it was certainly a very special moment. Professionally, that was the most precious and valuable moment in our life.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Age plays a massive factor in any elite sport but the 36-year-old Sreejesh continues to be a livewire, bringing his infectious energy onto the field and lifting the spirits of everyone on it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian men\u2019s hockey team beat Germany to win a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Sreejesh playing a crucial role, bringing much joy to the nation and his family in particular. Speaking about the elation back at home, Aneeshya said, \u201cIt was a great moment filled with happiness, pride, and relief. I don\u2019t really know what the exact emotion was but it was certainly a very special moment. Professionally, that was the most precious and valuable moment in our life.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n