PR Sreejesh: The star goalkeeper for the Indian men’s hockey team, PR Sreejesh, criticised domestic airlines IndiGo on Friday for overcharging him for his “goalkeeper baggage.”
Sreejesh was reportedly about to board IndiGo flight 6E 382 from Bengaluru to Kochi when the airline’s ground staff at Karnataka International Airport reportedly demanded that he pay an additional fee for the hockey stick that was a part of his equipment. The flight attendants stated that Sreejesh was entitled to pay the fees since he was only allowed to carry hockey sticks that were shorter than 38 inches, and the one he was carrying was just three inches long.
Sreejesh voiced his displeasure on Twitter after paying the additional fees. The senior goalkeeper revealed that even though the FIH (Fédération Internationale de Hockey) allowed him to bring a 41-inch hockey stick, IndiGo airlines always charged him extra for anything longer than 38 inches. The Indian goalkeeper reportedly had to pay Rs. 1,500 more to transport his goalkeeper gear.
In a post that included a snapshot of his receipt for the additional luggage fee, Sreejesh wrote: FIH allows me to play with a 41-inch hockey stick, but IndiGo never allows me to carry anything over 38 inches. What to do? Pay extra Rs, 1500 for handling the goalkeeper baggage.” A seemingly frustrated Sreejesh also added the hashtag “Loot” to his caption.
The post soon gained popularity, and a variety of internet users, including celebrities, expressed conflicting views on it. While some famous people, such as Tehseen Poonawala, criticised the airline for charging extra for the hockey stick of the star player, others, such as well-known Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, argued that aviation laws apply to all athletes, regardless of ability, and that all athletes should follow the rules.
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Sreejesh was in Bengaluru for the FIH Pro League 2022–23 training camp with the Indian hockey team, which would take place in Odisha in late October. The Indian hockey team’s Olympic bronze medalist has been a crucial component and a critical contributor to their recent victories. Although he usually runs a quiet campaign between the sticks, IndiGo’s actions infuriated him, and he became angry with the airlines.
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