Indian Hockey Legend PR Sreejesh to Retire: Paris Olympics to Be His Final Tournament
Veteran Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, known as the wall of the Indian hockey team, will retire after the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old Sreejesh announced on Monday, while launching Hockey India’s campaign ‘Win It For Sreejesh,’ that the Paris Olympics will be his last international tournament.
An Illustrious Career
Having played numerous Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Cups, Sreejesh has represented India in 328 matches, and the Paris Olympics will be his fourth Olympic appearance. His exceptional goalkeeping played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for India in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, ending a 41-year medal drought for the country in the sport. Sreejesh debuted in 2010.
Preparing for His Final Tournament
Sreejesh said, “I am preparing for my last tournament in Paris. I am very proud of my career and moving forward with hope. My journey so far has been extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, all coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me.”
He mentioned that he has informed his teammates about his decision to retire after the Olympics. “My teammates have stood by me during tough times. We all want to perform our best in Paris. We definitely want to change the color of the medal,” he added.
A Special Player: Dilip Tirkey
Hockey India President and former Indian captain Dr. Dilip Tirkey congratulated Sreejesh on his remarkable career. Tirkey said, “Sreejesh was barely 18 or 19 years old when I first saw him in the Indian camp, and if I remember correctly, he debuted in international hockey when I was the captain.”
The former captain continued, “He is a very special player, and my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for his exemplary contribution to Indian hockey.” Tirkey expressed his hope that Sreejesh’s decision will inspire the team to give their favorite goalkeeper a grand farewell.
He concluded, “This journey to Paris will definitely be special for the team, and I believe Sreejesh’s decision will further motivate the team. I extend my best wishes to him and the team to stand on the podium again, making it special not just for Sreejesh but for the entire hockey community.”
