PR Sreejesh Deeply Hurt as Hockey India Removes Him for Foreign Coach

PR Sreejesh has expressed disappointment and frustration with Hockey India after indicating that he is being removed as coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team to make way for a foreign coach. The former India goalkeeper, who played a major role in India’s back-to-back Olympic hockey medals in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, shared a strongly worded statement on social media on Wednesday questioning Hockey India’s continued preference for overseas coaches over Indian candidates.

In his post, Sreejesh suggested that his coaching tenure may be ending after just one-and-a-half years despite positive results with the junior side. He highlighted that the team achieved podium finishes in all five tournaments played under his guidance, including a bronze medal at the Junior Hockey World Cup. Sreejesh stated that while coaches are usually replaced after poor performances, this was the first time he had experienced being removed despite delivering successful outcomes.

The former goalkeeper also revealed details of a conversation with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. According to Sreejesh, Tirkey informed him that the senior men’s team coaching setup preferred a foreign head coach for the junior side as part of a long-term strategy to create continuity between junior and senior teams. Reacting to the decision, Sreejesh questioned whether Indian coaches were considered incapable of developing Indian hockey players at the highest level.

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Sreejesh further referred to a meeting held earlier this year with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, during which he was reportedly encouraged to take up larger coaching responsibilities as India prepares for the 2036 Olympics. He contrasted that encouragement with Hockey India’s current approach, arguing that foreign coaches continue to be prioritised across all national teams despite the availability of experienced Indian former players who understand the domestic system and culture.

The issue has sparked debate within the Indian hockey community regarding the role of Indian coaches in the national setup. Many former athletes and supporters have long argued that experienced Indian internationals should receive greater opportunities in coaching and development roles after retirement. Sreejesh, regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Indian hockey history, has been widely respected not only for his achievements as a player but also for his efforts in mentoring younger athletes after transitioning into coaching.

Sreejesh retired from international hockey following India’s successful Olympic campaign and was quickly entrusted with responsibilities in the junior setup because of his leadership experience and understanding of modern hockey systems. Under his guidance, the junior team showed consistent improvement and competitive performances on the international stage. Hockey India has not yet issued a detailed public response to Sreejesh’s remarks, but the controversy has intensified discussions over the balance between foreign expertise and domestic coaching talent in Indian sport.

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