Celebrated Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh announced on Monday that he will retire after the Paris Olympics, concluding an illustrious 18-year career marked by pivotal moments for the team. At 36 years old, Sreejesh, who has earned 328 international caps, including participation in three Olympic Games, will compete in his fourth Olympics starting July 26 in Paris.
Reflecting on his journey, Sreejesh expressed pride and gratitude. “As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” he said in a Hockey India press release. “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me.”
Sreejesh highlighted the support of his teammates through challenging times and expressed the team’s determination to excel in Paris, aiming to surpass their previous bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He debuted at the 2006 South Asian Games and was instrumental in India’s significant victories, including a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. He also played crucial roles in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals, and the silver medal-winning team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh emphasized the importance of Sreejesh’s mentorship and the team’s dedication to winning another medal in Paris to honor him. “Paris 2024 will indeed be a special tournament. We have decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend P.R. Sreejesh,” Harmanpreet said.
Sreejesh, from Kerala, was a key player in India’s third-place finish at the Hockey Pro League 2021/22 and received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. He also won the World Games Athlete of the Year award in 2021 and consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022. Last year, he played a significant role in India’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games, securing the team’s place in the Paris Olympics.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh paid glowing tributes to Sreejesh, acknowledging his exemplary contributions and wishing him and the team success in Paris. The Indian hockey team will begin its Olympic campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. The team has been training in Switzerland in preparation for the Games.
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