UAE-based Indian rewards Rs 10mn to Olympic hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh

A non-resident Indian (NRI) healthcare entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates has announced Rs 10 million cash reward for the Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh.

The announcement by Dr Shamsheer Vayalil comes days after the Indian men's team won the bronze medal at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics, Indian media reports said.

Sreejesh, who belongs to Kerala, pulled off a series of stunning saves to help the country win its first Olympic medal in hockey after 41 years.

"Through his outstanding performance at the Olympics, Sreejesh has brought joy to Indians around the world. As a fellow Malayali, I take tremendous pride in his achievement," Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, was quoted as saying.

"Dr Shamsheer has congratulated the entire team for this great achievement and offered his support to us. The announcement of the Rs. 1 crore reward caught me by surprise. A reward for winning a medal in the Olympics is delightful news, and I feel very fortunate to be the recipient," said Sreejesh.

Sreejesh had served as the captain of the national team in 2016. His quick reflexes and consistent performance have earned him the moniker The Great Wall of India'.