CHENNAI: At a time when young international goalkeepers are waiting for an opportunity to pick the brains of PR Sreejesh, the current crop of Malaysia shot-stoppers are lucky to have their development tracked by the veteran India custodian.
Sreejesh shares a strong bond with former Malaysia goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam, who is currently serving as an assistant coach for his national team. Thanks to the long-lasting friendship between Sreejesh and Ku mar starting from their Uttar Pradesh Wizards days in the erstwhile Hockey India League, the Indian great has been keeping tabs on the Malaysia goalkeepers.
"Sreejesh used to tell me: 'It will be difficult to replace you post your retirement (Kumar ended his international playing career in 2020).' But he recently told me that our goalkeepers showed a lot of improvement in the last two to three tournaments," Kumar, who is in Chennai for the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, told TOI on Monday. "Sreejesh shares his feedback. He said that our goalkeeper (Hafizuddin Othman) performed well at the World Cup [in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela earlier this year].
He feels that the goalkeepers are looking comfortable in my presence. 'They are doing better because of your guidance,' Sreejesh said. His words have had a positive impact on the group and I have passed on the tips offered by him," Kumar added.
Kumar said that he acts as a bridge between the Malaysia goalkeepers and Sreejesh.
Kumar's TN connection
Kumar, whose family has its roots at the Anthiyur town in the Erode district, often travels to Tamil Nadu to visit the temples. "Whenever I come here, I spend time by going to temples. My family members were on a hunt to find the temple which our ancestors had built at the Brahmadesam village in Anthiyur. I somehow managed to find where it was. I also fly to Chennai and Trichy when I am away from work," said Kumar. On his current visit to Chennai, Kumar has already squeezed in a trip to temples, amidst the hectic schedule.
