Sreejesh stated in a news release from Hockey India, “As I get ready for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope.”
P R Sreejesh, a celebrated India hockey goalkeeper, revealed on Monday that he will retire from the sport after the Paris Olympics, capping up an 18-year career in which he played a major role in some momentous events for the team. The 36-year-old, who has 328 international caps, including three Olympic Games, as well as many Commonwealth Games and World Cups, will compete in his fourth Olympics, commencing on July 26 in Paris. “As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh stated in a Hockey India press statement.”My family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India have shown me so much love and support throughout this incredible journey, and I will always be grateful for that.” I appreciate your faith in me.
“During the difficult and trying times, my teammates have stood by me. In reference to what may have been his greatest career achievement—a bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics—he continued, “We all want to give it our all here in Paris and definitely, the desire is to change the color of our medal.”
Sreejesh made his debut at the 2006 South Asian Games and went on to feature in other iconic victories for India, such as a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang.He also played in the Asian Champions Trophy-winning team in 2018 and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals champions in Bhubaneswar.
The personable goalkeeper also played a key role in the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medal winning team.
Sreejesh was a key architect of India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, and captain Harmanpreet Singh stated the squad will aim to win another medal at the Paris Games this time to make Sreejesh’s final tournament unforgettable.
“Paris 2024 will undoubtedly be a spectacular tournament. “We’ve decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend PR Sreejesh,” Harmanpreet explained.”He has been an inspiration to all of us, and I recall his guidance at the 2016 Junior World Cup, when we won the title. It was the start of several of us international hockey careers, and he shaped each one uniquely.
“We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again.” The Kerala native, who also played an important role in India’s third-place performance in the Hockey Pro League 2021/22, was granted the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.Sreejesh led India’s gold medal-winning effort at the Asian Games last year, securing the team’s spot in the Paris Olympics.
HI President Dilip Tirkey congratulated Sreejesh on his outstanding career, saying: “Sreejesh was just 18 or 19 years old when I first met him in the Indian camp, and if I recall correctly, he made his international debut while I was captaining the Indian squad.
“He is a truly exceptional player, and my heart overflows with delight and gratitude for his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. This trip to Paris will undoubtedly be memorable for the entire team.”I think Sreejesh’s choice will just inspire the squad more to take the podium once more and make it very memorable for the entire hockey community—not just for Sreejesh. I send my warmest wishes to him and the team. Bhola Nath Singh, the secretary general of HI, also gave Sreejesh high praise.
“Sreejesh is a national treasure and an example to all of us. I’d want to congratulate him on an amazing career filled with several accolades that have elevated our honor and sense of pride.Hockey India honors his choice to step down following the Olympic Games in Paris, which makes this a very memorable competition for Indian hockey fans as well as the team. I’m hoping for the best for him and the club in their campaign.” The Indian hockey team will play New Zealand on July 27 to kick off their Olympic campaign. Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia will follow on July 29, July 30, July 31, and August 2, respectively.
The Indian hockey squad, having trained in Switzerland for the Games, has arrived in Paris.
