Hockey India Retires PR Sreejesh’s Jersey Number 16 and Appoints Him as Junior Team Coach
In honor of former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Hockey India has officially retired his jersey number 16. Alongside this tribute, Sreejesh has been appointed as the new coach for the junior hockey team. Hockey India announced this decision on Wednesday.
PR Sreejesh’s Legacy in Indian Hockey
The Indian men’s hockey team secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with PR Sreejesh playing a pivotal role as the goalkeeper. Following this remarkable achievement, Sreejesh retired from international hockey, playing his final match against Spain in the bronze medal contest.
Hockey India’s Tribute
Bhola Nath Singh, the General Secretary of Hockey India, stated that from now on, the number 16 jersey will not be issued to any senior team player, though it will remain in circulation at the junior level.
Sreejesh’s Illustrious Career
Over his career, Sreejesh represented India in 336 matches, participating in several Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Cups. The Paris Olympics marked his fourth Olympic appearance. Sreejesh had previously made a significant impact with his exceptional goalkeeping during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, helping India clinch a bronze medal and ending a 41-year medal drought in the sport. His Olympic journey began in 2012.
Stellar Performance in Final Match
In his final international match against Spain, Sreejesh stood tall as a formidable wall in front of the goalpost, allowing only one goal, which was a penalty stroke. In the last five minutes, Spain was awarded five penalties, but their drag-flickers couldn’t find the back of the net, thanks to Sreejesh’s outstanding goalkeeping.
PR Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian hockey, but his legacy will continue as he takes on the responsibility of shaping the next generation of hockey players as the junior team coach.
