Kochi: The 'Great Wall' of Indian hockey P R Sreejesh, who made India and Kerala proud by winning his second Olympic bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, was felicitated by Malayala Manorama at a grand function here on Monday.
As a token of appreciation, a gold medal of five sovereigns and a cash award of Rs 5 lakh were presented to him by Malayala Manorama Managing Editor Philip Mathew. Sreejesh's mother Ushakumari, wife Dr P K Aneeshya, children Anusree and Sreeansh were present.
Accepting the honour, Sreejesh thanked Malayala Manorama for the continued support and patronage.
"Years ago, there was a small write-up in Manorama on my selection to the national camp. I'm honoured to be the main headline on its front page now, which encapsulates the essence of my sporting journey. Malayala Manorama is like a family to me. This is a happy homecoming. Receiving a gold medal from Manorama after winning a tournament has become a routine. I'm extremely happy to have won two Olympics medals in a discipline that is not so popular in Kerala," Sreejesh said amid applause from the people gathered to hear him.
Sreejesh, 36, who announced his decision to retire from international hockey after the Paris Olympics, was given a guard of honour by members of the state junior teams. Thalappoli and sinkarimelam added colour to the function. A cake replicating his imposing posture in front of the goal was cut by Sreejesh and his children.
A laminated plaque containing the image of the pages of Malayala Manorama featuring his incredible performances at the Paris Olympics was also presented to Sreejesh by Managing Editor Philip Mathew.
"Sreejesh is the true successor to Dhyan Chand. He is the one who put Kerala hockey on the world map. The two back-to-back Olympic medals are a reward for his consistent performance under the bar. Despite all his achievements, he has remained humble and grounded. He is the perfect role model for youngsters," Philip Mathew said and wished Sreejesh all the success in his new role as the India junior men's team head coach.
Apart from Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar, Jebi Mather MP, and T J Vinod MLA, the event brought together a diverse group, representing various generations of sportspersons that included Olympians M D Valsamma, Mercy Kuttan, Ambika Radhika, K M Binu, Sini Jose, and Lijo David Tottan.
Malayala Manorama Editorial Director Jose Panachippuram, Sports Editor Sunish Thomas, and Chief Sub Editor Jomichan Jose, who covered the Paris Olympics for Manorama, also spoke on the occasion.
