PR Sreejesh to coach...: India hockey goalkeeper reveals post-retirement plans

New Delhi: PR Sreejesh, celebrated as the 'Great Wall of Indian Hockey,' is poised to take on a new role as the coach of the junior national hockey team following his retirement from professional play. Hockey India is preparing to officially announce the appointment of Sreejesh, 36, who concluded his remarkable goalkeeping career after India's bronze medal victory against Spain. His illustrious 18-year journey in hockey witnessed India winning two Olympic bronze medals, at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, earning him recognition as the finest hockey goalkeeper in Indian history.

New role as junior team coach

"We will appoint Sreejesh as the men's junior team coach (under-21) in a few days," confirmed Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey in an interview from Paris. "There is no one better than him to guide and nurture the youngsters." Sreejesh’s exceptional skills were on full display during the Paris Olympics, particularly in the match against Britain. 

Mentoring future generations

Hockey India also envisions Sreejesh as a mentor for the current senior team goalkeepers, Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, who are set to fill his shoes. "We would also like Sreejesh to be involved in guiding Krishan and Suraj. He has vast experience and knows the tricks of the trade," added Tirkey.

Impact on upcoming Junior World Cup

Sreejesh's coaching is expected to be pivotal for India's performance in the Men's Junior World Cup, scheduled to take place in India in December next year. "Sreejesh is very crucial for us to guide and inspire the team in next year's Junior World Cup," stated Tirkey, highlighting Sreejesh's previous contributions to the junior side.

Reflecting on Paris Olympics performance

Reflecting on the team's performance in Paris, Tirkey expressed satisfaction, noting the team's cohesiveness and determination. "We at least repeated our (Tokyo 2021) performance, even though we always targeted the gold medal. But, for me right now, a bronze is as good as gold," he remarked. "The team played extremely well and there was unity among the players, which was visible in the game against Britain."