"Mental Reset Crucial for Asian Games": PR Sreejesh Urges Indian Hockey Team to Move Past World Cup Setback

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-16 17:49:00

Following a disappointing campaign at the Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 where the Indian team fell short of a semifinal berth and finished in eighth place, former veteran goalkeeper and junior team coach PR Sreejesh has called for an immediate psychological reset. Speaking in an exclusive interaction with Dainik Jagran in New Delhi, the legendary Olympian highlighted that the national squad must quickly put past setbacks behind them as they open their Asian Games campaign in Japan on September 20, where the stakes involve not only continental supremacy and a gold medal but also an automatic direct qualification ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. While acknowledging that India fell short in pivotal matches against England and Argentina, Sreejesh noted that the dynamic shifts significantly at the Asian level, where traditional challengers like Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, and China possess less international exposure, positioning India as a front-running contender provided the players do not succumb to complacency.

Defensive Synergy, Video Analysis, and Accountability Key to Rebuilding Tactical Trust

Emphasizing the mechanics of resilience between the goalposts and defensive lines, Sreejesh explained that top-tier hockey functions on collective responsibility rather than finger-pointing when forwards fail to convert or goalkeepers make errors. The former custodian underscored that modern competition relies heavily on video analysis, noting that rival teams rigorously study match recordings to exploit repetitive weaknesses, making collective review sessions and mutual accountability non-negotiable. Sreejesh asserted that candid communication—where defenders and goalkeepers openly admit tactical lapses without defensiveness—fosters the mutual trust needed to absorb high pressure, concluding that genuine on-pitch backing and psychological solidarity will serve as India's greatest assets when pursuing gold on the continental stage.

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