Indian Hockey Star PR Sreejesh Reacts On Asian Games Postponement

The indefinite postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games has come as a big disappointment for majority of country's athletes but the Indian hockey team players have taken the deferment positively, saying it will give them additional time to prepare for the continental showpiece. The Hangzhou Asian Games, which were scheduled to take place from September 10 to 25, were on Friday postponed indefinitely amid a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in China.

The new dates of the event will be announced in near future.

Reacting to the development, veteran Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said they were not taken aback by the announcement.

"Yes, it's a disappointment but somewhere down the line we were expecting it considering the situation in China," he told PTI.

"But we want to look at it (postponement) from positive point of view because the postponement means we will get more time to prepare for the Asian Games." The lanky custodian hopes the postponement will bring good luck for them, the way it did during the Tokyo Games, where India won a historic Olympic bronze medal after 41 years.

"We already have the experience of playing in a postponed Games (Tokyo Olympics), so we know what it takes to remain in shape.

"The positive part is that there are plenty of tournaments lined-up for us like the Asia Cup, away Pro League matches, Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year. The dates of the postponed Asian Games are yet to be announced, so we will get enough time to prepare our best for the Asian Games," Sreejesh said.

A senior women's team player, who did not wished to be named, said the postponement has both positive and negative consequences.

"It is really sad that the Asian Games are postponed. After the Tokyo