Why PR Sreejesh, Sushila Chanu Deserve To Be India Hockey Captains

PR Sreejesh and Sushila Chanu, on Tuesday, were named the captains of the Indian men's and women's hockey team, respectively, that will compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics in August. Both deserve to wear the captain's arm-band.

Sreejesh has been one of the pillars of Indian team over the past few years and his promotion as the skipper is simply a reward for his service to the national team.

A veteran of 156 international matches, Sreejesh was also the captain of the Indian team that won a historic silver medal at the FIH Champions Trophy in London last month. India played outstandingly well against world champions Australia only to lose after a controversial penalty shoot-out.

Sreejesh was the architect of India's gold medal win in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea. India gained a direct entry into the Olympics for being continental champions. It was purely due to Sreejesh's brilliant show in the penalty shoot-out that India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan.

In the same year, India finished fourth at the 2014 Champions Trophy and Sreejesh was awarded the 'Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament' award for his amazing performance. For his rock solid performance throughout the year, Sreejesh was also nominated for the 'FIH Goalkeeper of the Year' award.

A Moment of Reckoning for Sushila

Ritu Rani's loss has turned out to be Sushila Chanu's gain. Rani's exclusion due to poor attitude and form gave Sushila the hot seat. This will be the first time Indian women will play in the Olympics.

Sushila led the women's team to a bronze medal at the 2013 Junior WC. (Image Credit: Hockey India)

Sushila, who has played 112 international matches so far, was the skipper of the junior Indian team in 2013. Under her, the India won a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup held in Germany. Since 2010, she has been working as the junior ticket collector at the Central Mumbai Railway.

After India's good show in Hockey World League 2015, where they reached the semis, mid-fielder Sushila was applauded for her invaluable contributions throughout the tournament.

India's medal hopes in an Olympics always revolve around hockey. In London 2012, India finished last among 12 nations. Sreejesh and Sushila will surely have their task cut out.