Sreejesh dedicates ACT triumph to Uri martyrs

National team captain P R Sreejesh on Tuesday dedicated the Asian Championship Trophy triumph to the Indian soldiers martyred in the Uri attack and their families, saying it’s a Diwali gift to those who lost their lives while safeguarding the country.

“Winning Asian Championship Trophy is a Diwali gift to the Indian soldiers. The Indian soldiers, who are safeguarding our borders, would have definitely enjoyed this medal more than any other medal,” Sreejesh told reporters here after arriving from Kuala Lampur.

Sreejesh, along with Nikkin Thimmaiah, arrived at the city airport around 11.45 on Monday night after defeating Pakistan in Asian Championship Trophy final.

“It is also a Diwali gift to those kins of martyred soldiers who lost their lives in Uri attacks carried out by cross-border terrorists,” the Indian goalkeeper said.

The army base, located barely a few kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) and about 70 km from Srinagar, was subjected to the brazen attack by four terrorists on September 18 at around 5.30 am, causing heavy casualties in the Dogra regiment.

Asked about the emotions running through the players while playing the final against Pakistan, Sreejesh said, “Yes, a lot of emotions run through the Indian players when they play against Pakistan. However, the players nowadays tend to focus more on the on-field battle than off-field issues,” he said.