WATCH: PR Sreejesh's 'Only he can' save during shootout against GBR to help India qualify for Olympic Semi-Final

In a thrilling encounter at the Paris Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team secured a spot in the semi-finals after an intense shootout victory over Great Britain. The match was defined by extraordinary resilience, particularly from goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, whose heroics under immense pressure proved pivotal in India’s success.

The match began with a setback for India as Amit Rohidas received a red card for an alleged "unnatural movement of the stick" that struck Great Britain's William Calnan in the face. This incident forced India to play with a man down for more than 40 minutes. Despite the numerical disadvantage, India took the lead with a goal from captain Harmanpreet Singh, his seventh in the tournament.

However, Great Britain managed to equalize just before halftime, setting the stage for a tense and hard-fought second half. With both teams unable to break the deadlock, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where the experience and skill of PR Sreejesh came to the forefront.

Here is the video:

ONLY SREEJESH CAN!!! 😍😍😍#TeamIndia make it to the semi-finals, Watch the Olympics LIVE on #Sports18 & streaming FREE on #JioCinema 📲#OlympicsonJioCinema #OlympicsonSports18 #Olympics #Hockey #JioCinemaSports #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/rX3t3UQtwz

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 4, 2024

PR Sreejesh, often referred to as the "Wall of India," delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping during the shootout. Despite the immense pressure, Sreejesh remained composed, making a crucial save during the shootout that ultimately sealed India's victory. His performance was nothing short of Herculean, with 11 shots and four penalty corners saved throughout the match.

India closes in for long-awaited Olympic glory

This victory over Great Britain is particularly significant for India as it follows their historic win against Australia, marking their first Olympic victory over the Kookaburras in 52 years. The triumph against Great Britain, achieved in the face of adversity, highlights the strength and unity of the Indian team, with Sreejesh's performance standing out as a defining moment.

As Sreejesh is playing in what is expected to be his final international tournament, his remarkable contribution to this match will be remembered as a testament to his enduring legacy in Indian hockey. His leadership, experience, and unmatched goalkeeping skills have not only kept India's Olympic dreams alive but have also inspired the entire team to push beyond their limits.

With this hard-fought victory, India now advances to the semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to Olympic glory. The team's resilience, combined with PR Sreejesh's brilliance, has reignited hopes of an Olympic medal, with the nation rallying behind them as they prepare for the next challenge.