Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh shared his ambitious goal of becoming the chief coach of the senior men’s national hockey team within the next five years. Currently serving as the chief coach of the junior men’s team and Director of Hockey for the Delhi SG Pipers in the Hockey India League (HIL), Sreejesh is leveraging his role with the juniors to build the experience and maturity needed for the senior position.
“Coaching is a new journey for me after playing hockey for 25 years,” Sreejesh said. “The junior team is the perfect platform to learn, as I’m not yet ready for the patience required at the sub-junior level. I need to develop the maturity to lead the senior team, and I believe in five to six years, I’ll be ready.” A two-time Olympic bronze medalist, Sreejesh has already completed the FIH Level 3 coaching course, underscoring his commitment to this transition.
Sreejesh is optimistic about India’s prospects at the upcoming Junior World Cup, scheduled for November 28 to December 10, 2025, in Chennai and Madurai. “This team has the potential to win a medal,” he stated. “To reach the top four, players must control emotions, handle pressure, and stick to their game plan.” As part of the preparation, the team will compete in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia from October 11 to 19, which Sreejesh views as a critical opportunity to refine skills and address weaknesses. “This tournament will be an eye-opener, showing us exactly what we need to work on before the World Cup,” he added.
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Beyond technical training, Sreejesh is instilling a culture of discipline and inspiration in his players. He encourages them to read Relentless, a book by Tim S. Grover, the renowned trainer of athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, to foster passion and hard work. “I want these young players to think differently and stay away from mobile addiction,” he explained. “During these reading sessions, they enter a different world, which helps shape their mindset.”
As Director of Hockey for the Delhi SG Pipers, Sreejesh is also focused on revitalizing the team’s performance in the upcoming HIL season, following a disappointing last-place finish for both the men’s and women’s teams in 2024. With the HIL mini-auction scheduled for September 24, 2025, in New Delhi, Sreejesh outlined the team’s strategy. “We’ve retained most of our men’s team and need just three players, including a playmaker to control the game. For the women’s team, we need eight players,” he said, noting budgets of approximately ₹51 lakh for the men’s team and ₹76 lakh for the women’s team.
Sreejesh’s multifaceted role as a coach, mentor, and administrator reflects his dedication to elevating Indian hockey. His vision to lead the senior national team by 2030, combined with his efforts to nurture junior talent and strengthen the HIL, positions him as a pivotal figure in India’s hockey renaissance. As the nation gears up for the Junior World Cup and beyond, Sreejesh’s leadership promises to inspire a new generation of players to achieve global success.
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