'We had full confidence in PR Sreejesh', says Dilip Tirkey after India's win over Great Britain at Paris Olympics

NEW DELHI: Former captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey expressed confidence in goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's abilities as India secured a shoot-out win against Great Britain in the men's hockey quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.

Despite playing with ten men for nearly three quarters, the Indian team defended well and advanced to their second consecutive Olympic semifinals for the first time since 1972.

The match saw India down to ten men after Amit Rohidas received a red card in the 17th minute for a dangerous stick tackle. This left India with a disadvantage for the remainder of the match. Nonetheless, the team held strong, leading to a 1-1 deadlock and a subsequent shootout.

Sreejesh rose to the occasion by making two crucial saves during the shootout, ensuring India converted all their chances to progress further in the tournament. The performance was notable as it marks Sreejesh's final quadrennial event.

"We were in tense situation after Amit Rohidas got the red card, it shouldn't have happened as he didn't do it deliberately. We defended well in the match and saved the match. We had full confidence in Sreejesh that he would do well in the shootout," Tirkey told IANS after the match.

The veteran hockey player further added that India's aim is to clinch the gold medal and perform well in the semifinal.

"The team has reached the semifinal and it will be an important match. Our aim is to go for gold and perform well in the next match," the Hockey India president added.

India will next take on the winner of the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Germany on Tuesday, August 6.


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