Healthy competition is good for team: Bharat Chetri

NEW DELHI: There is competition between them when it comes to donning the national jersey, but off the field Indian hockey goalkeepers Bharat Chetri and PR Sreejesh take pride in each other’s success.

Both Chetri and Sreejesh, on whose shoulders the responsibility of manning the Indian goal rests in the upcoming London Olympic qualifiers, love the competition for the lone custodian’s spot in the side as they feel it is better for the team.

“There is no rivalry between us. I feel the competition between us is good for the team. We play alternate matches (in a tournament) but whenever we play our only focus is to win the game for the country,” said Chetri, who is also the captain of the Indian team for the February 18-26 qualifiers.

“We watch a lot of videos together and try to help each other.”

Sreejesh agreed with Chetri’s view and said for him it doesn’t matter who plays as long as the team keeps winning.

“No doubt there is a healthy competition in the team between me and Bharat, but whenever we get a chance to play we try to give our 100 per cent,” he said on the sidelines of India’s practice session at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

“The coach generally fields us in alternate matches and the best player plays in the final (if we manage to reach any).

“But there is a very good understanding between me and Bharat. Whenever I commit a mistake he tries to correct me and whenever he needs any help I am always there,” Sreejesh added.

In the men’s section, India will fight it out with Canada, France, Italy, Poland and Singapore for the lone spot in this year’s London Olympics.