In a free-wheeling conversation with Hockey Te Charcha, Family, a special series launched by Hockey India ahead of the Olympics where family members of Indian hockey stars share insights on the support system at home that allows players to pursue their dreams, Aneeshya Sreejesh opened up about the champion's journey in this sport.
“We were classmates and we have known each other for 22 years. I was an athlete at that time. I've seen his entire journey, since he was fighting. It is fantastic to see him achieve his goals now.”
Aneeshya, an Ayurvedic doctor, juggles her career while she takes care of everything at home when her husband is away, showing the incredible amount of family support it takes to have a successful career like hers. Sreejesh. “The real struggle is spending time away from him. He is doing very well for the country, so taking care of the children at home is the least I can do,” she said modestly.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Aneeshya said, there is immense excitement in Kochi, where Sreejesh resides. “We are all very excited for the Paris Olympic Games, which will be the fourth. “This is truly special and we are all hoping for nothing less than gold.”
Nostalgic about his career, which has spanned almost 20 years, including his days as a Junior India player, Aneeshya noted that his career-threatening knee injury in 2017 was the most challenging phase.
“The injury he suffered in 2017 was the most challenging of his career. She thought he wouldn't be able to play again. But he took it on with great strength and dedication and that is why he is at the level he is now. That was around the time our son (Sreeansh) was born. I think spending time with our son helped Sreejesh see the injury phase positively,” she said.
The Indian men's hockey team beat Germany to win a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Sreejesh playing a crucial role, bringing much joy to the nation and his family in particular. Talking about the euphoria at home, Aneeshya said, “It was a great moment full of happiness, pride and relief. I really don't know what the exact emotion was but it was certainly a very special moment. Professionally, that was the most precious and valuable moment of our lives.”
Age plays a huge factor in any elite sport, but 36-year-old Sreejesh remains a lively soul, bringing his infectious energy to the field and lifting the spirits of everyone on it.
“He always says that the life of a goalkeeper is like wine. Over time, they become more efficient and improve in quality. “He tries to get better every day,” he said, admiring his perspective.
Speaking about the Sunehra Safar event organized by Hockey India in Bengaluru ahead of the 2023 Asian Games, where the families of the players were summoned to the stage to receive the players' jerseys, Aneeshya said, “It was a really nice experience for the kids. as well as for me. The children realized how great their father was. I thank Hockey India for organizing such an event.”
“We were classmates and we have known each other for 22 years. I was an athlete at that time. I've seen his entire journey, since he was fighting. It is fantastic to see him achieve his goals now.”
Aneeshya, an Ayurvedic doctor, juggles her career while she takes care of everything at home when her husband is away, showing the incredible amount of family support it takes to have a successful career like hers. Sreejesh. “The real struggle is spending time away from him. He is doing very well for the country, so taking care of the children at home is the least I can do,” she said modestly.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Aneeshya said, there is immense excitement in Kochi, where Sreejesh resides. “We are all very excited for the Paris Olympic Games, which will be the fourth. “This is truly special and we are all hoping for nothing less than gold.”
Nostalgic about his career, which has spanned almost 20 years, including his days as a Junior India player, Aneeshya noted that his career-threatening knee injury in 2017 was the most challenging phase.
“The injury he suffered in 2017 was the most challenging of his career. She thought he wouldn't be able to play again. But he took it on with great strength and dedication and that is why he is at the level he is now. That was around the time our son (Sreeansh) was born. I think spending time with our son helped Sreejesh see the injury phase positively,” she said.
The Indian men's hockey team beat Germany to win a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Sreejesh playing a crucial role, bringing much joy to the nation and his family in particular. Talking about the euphoria at home, Aneeshya said, “It was a great moment full of happiness, pride and relief. I really don't know what the exact emotion was but it was certainly a very special moment. Professionally, that was the most precious and valuable moment of our lives.”
Age plays a huge factor in any elite sport, but 36-year-old Sreejesh remains a lively soul, bringing his infectious energy to the field and lifting the spirits of everyone on it.
“He always says that the life of a goalkeeper is like wine. Over time, they become more efficient and improve in quality. “He tries to get better every day,” he said, admiring his perspective.
Speaking about the Sunehra Safar event organized by Hockey India in Bengaluru ahead of the 2023 Asian Games, where the families of the players were summoned to the stage to receive the players' jerseys, Aneeshya said, “It was a really nice experience for the kids. as well as for me. The children realized how great their father was. I thank Hockey India for organizing such an event.”
