Paris Olympics Hockey: Life as a goalkeeper – ‘It’s like a microwave’

Paris — Spare a thought for the goalkeepers at these Olympics. Even for those accustomed to the searing temperatures. Take PR Sreejesh, who sat in his goal during the Ireland match as temperatures reached (the equivalent of) nearly 50 degrees celsius with all his equipment and behind the helmet. “It’s like a microwave out there and very tough for us,” said the Indian star.

The general consensus among the six goalkeepers The Hockey Paper spoke to over the last few days is that the stoppers are losing three to four kgs per match, while there are different mental approaches each ‘keeper is also dealing with.

Netherlands women’s Anne Veenendaal, who is also losing two to three kgs per match, says: “Mostly it’s trying to keep calm and not make any movements that are unnecessary. You can lose your energy if you do that. It sounds weird but I try to stay calm as possible but stay still and save my energy for when the ball comes.”