Indian hockey player Deepika Sehrawat, who will represent Delhi SG Pipers in the upcoming Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), recently spoke about the invaluable mentorship she has received from legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Deepika, known for her skills on the field, expressed how the guidance of Sreejesh has had a profound impact on her technique, particularly in drag-flicking.
The first edition of the Women’s HIL is set to begin this Sunday, with the Delhi SG Pipers taking on the Odisha Warriors in Ranchi. As anticipation builds for this significant event in women’s hockey, Deepika is excited to showcase her skills under the mentorship of one of India’s most accomplished players.
Reflecting on her experience with Sreejesh, Deepika shared her appreciation for the legendary goalkeeper’s approach to training. "I am really happy to work with him. He gives us a lot of practice, but he doesn't keep things serious all the time. He enjoys having fun during the practice sessions," Deepika told the media.
She further explained how Sreejesh’s relaxed yet effective coaching style has helped her improve significantly, particularly with drag-flicking.
"We have learned a lot from him. He has played so many years for India, and I have learned more about drag flicks from him. He has shared valuable tips on how to execute precise drag flicks and where they should be aimed," she added.
The Women’s HIL marks a milestone in the history of Indian women’s hockey, and Deepika is thrilled to be part of it. "We are really happy that girls have finally got a stage to showcase their efforts," she said, highlighting the significance of the event in providing a platform for female players to demonstrate their skills and gain recognition.
Deepika also shared insights into her team's preparation for the tournament, mentioning that the Delhi SG Pipers have developed strong camaraderie and are working hard together to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.
"Our preparations are going well. We have developed good bonding within the team," she said, adding that the team spirit is one of their key strengths.
The Delhi SG Pipers are captained by Deepika's Indian teammate, Navneet Kaur, who has earned praise from her junior for her leadership qualities.
"Navneet Kaur is very motivating and supportive. Whenever we make mistakes, she takes the time to teach and correct us. As a junior, I get a lot of support from her. She takes a lot of responsibility and guides us well," Deepika explained.
Deepika also discussed the importance of learning from international players and how the Hockey India League will allow Indian players to gain valuable exposure.
"This is why the Hockey India League has been set up, so we can take our experience and learn from foreign players. We get to know what is lacking in our team and what the others are doing well. If we learn about each other’s strengths, it will help us a lot in future tournaments like the World Cups and Olympics," she stated.
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