The sad reality is that sexism exists almost everywhere and it is up to both genders to call out such instances.The goalie for the Indian National Men’s Hockey team did precisely this. PR Sreejesh, widely acclaimed as the star of the Tokyo Olympics recently slammed a reporter for snubbing a female sportsperson.
Shaili Chopra took to Twitter to reveal that a journalist left midway during the interview of none other than hockey player Neha Goyal to chase after PR Sreejesh. An incredible midfielder, Neha Goyal has had quite the journey, as she reportedly went from straightening spokes at a cycle factory for Rs 2,000 a month to making it to the Indian women’s hockey team.
Kudos to India’s goalkeeper Sreejesh for calling out an India TV reporter who left his ongoing interview with hockey player Neha Goyal to chase him instead – Sreejesh gave it back to him by asking “how can you be so disrespectful and leave an interview in the middle” pic.twitter.com/r0Q0Qysn4V
— Shaili Chopra SHE THE PEOPLE (@shailichopra) August 10, 2021
Upon realizing that the journo left Neha’s interview midway, Sreejesh instantly called out the reporter. The journalist then went on to apologize to Goyal.
Right after the incident went viral online, desis lauded Sreejesh for standing up for a fellow player:
Sreejesh held a mirror to a reporter who abandoned Neha Goyal midway through an interview. The reporter ran into a Wall. @imranirampal was impressed. Now in order to fulfill Rani’s command for more of his ilk we need to clone@16Sreejesh
— Anand Datla (@SportASmile) August 11, 2021
Brilliant from @16Sreejesh 👍👏❤️🔥 Some of the current media people are real pests and seriously need to be taught basic manners and etiquette! Sportsmen and women are human being,dont treat them like commodities for TRP’s! https://t.co/DPtk29t2nL
— Venugopal R (@Venu_R) August 11, 2021
Thank you #Sreejesh for calling out the #Patriarchy when you see it! https://t.co/u25x5c0hA3
— Kavita N Ramdas (she/her/Ms) (@kramdas) August 10, 2021
@16Sreejesh is an epitome of modesty, humility all rolled into one, a gentleman in true sense. Yesterday during felicitation ceremony at Hotel Ashok he said @savitahockey is the TRUE WALL of @TheHockeyIndia
— Neeraj Sharma (@Neeraj7888) August 10, 2021
Now more than ever, it is critical that we all stand together, to ensure the world of sports and every other field becomes a more equal place.