Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has criticised Hockey India's decision to replace him as U-21 coach with a foreign appointment, despite his successful tenure.
Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed strong frustration over India's poor performance at the FIH World Cup, criticising the team's 'underwhelming showing' and demanding accountability. He questioned the 'learning experience' narrative and highlighted issues in both men's and women's team management, urging a focus on winning rather than just playing good hockey.
Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has advised the current national team to manage World Cup pressure by trusting their preparation and enjoying the occasion. He expressed optimism about India's chances, aiming for a top-four finish in the upcoming FIH World Cup.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after a successful 17-month tenure, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches.
Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian talent, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected the claims.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian coaches, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said P R Sreejesh had been offered the role of coach for the development team but he had refused to take up the role.
Karnataka's Mohith HS, an accidental goalkeeper, is set to represent India at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The 24-year-old, who impressed in the FIH Pro League, will join Suraj Karkera as one of the team's custodians. Mohith's journey began by chance in school, evolving into a promising career that saw him play in the Junior World Cup and now the senior national team, driven by a dream to win for India.
The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.
Keep your feet on ground: Sreejesh stern message to players after narrow win over Belgium
Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, just months after receiving the prestigious Padma Shri, delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming social media post.
Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, believes India have the potential to finish on the podium in the upcoming junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 till December 10.
Former hockey captain P R Sreejesh was chosen for the Padma Bhushan, while Ravichandran Ashwin was among the Padma Shri winners.
PR Sreejesh was among the 19 recipients of the Padma Bhushan in 2025, it's the third highest civilian honour.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
Fighting India beat Belgium in shoot-out to enter FIH Jr WC semifinals
Frederic Soyez, a decorated Frenchman, has been appointed as the chief coach of the Indian national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive experience, including coaching at multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.
Former Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper and member of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning side Manuel Frederick died in Bengaluru on Friday morning.
A delighted Indian team chief coach PR Sreejesh lavished praise on his team's lion-hearted comeback to claim the bronze medal against Argentina, in the FIH Junior Men's World Cup, in Chennai, on Wednesday.
India has appointed Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive international coaching experience, including multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.
'I just want my players to play our game, we can't copy-paste. We Indians have our own flavour, and we just need to play our game.'
Sreejesh was the cynosure of all eyes as he consistently denied Great Britain scoring opportunities
India's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who will end his illustrious 18-year career after the Paris Olympics, had conceded only five goals in four games at the men's hockey event, which gives him a save rate above 90 percent for the tournament.
'We have room to improve in talent identification. At the nursery level, at grassroots, there's a lot to work on. That's where the investment needs to go in.'
Indian men's junior hockey team chief coach PR Sreejesh on Friday advised his wards to consider the upcoming World Cup as a stepping stone in their careers, keeping their sights firmly set on the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The 36-year-old from Kerala, whose illustrious career spanned 18 years, had announced before the Olympics that he would call it quits at the end of India's campaign.
IOA President PT Usha said Sreejesh was "both an emotional and popular choice within the IOA leadership".
Amir Ali has been named captain, with Rohit as his deputy, in the 18-member junior hockey squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup that will mark the first assignment for head coach PR Sreejesh in Malaysia from October 19.
Sreejesh set to become India junior coach
Sreejesh, 36, stood rock solid in India's campaign at the Olympics and played a key role in their hard-fought 2-1 victory against Spain in the bronze-medal match.
'We are retiring the No. 16 jersey for the senior team'
Sreejesh accepted that there are a few grey areas which came to light during the recent runners-up finish at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
Padma Bhushan recipient PR Sreejesh, a legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that India has given him more than what he has contributed to the sport.
The customary naadan or home-cooked meal is rather memorable fare.
Sreejesh broke into a wide grin that like his idol, his own skills earned him the sobriquet "The Great Wall of Indian Hockey".
Legendary Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh believes that Vinesh Phogat deserves a medal after reaching the final of the women's 50kg wrestling competition in Paris
