Hockey India is set to discuss with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) the appointment of PR Sreejesh as the head coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team. This announcement follows India’s remarkable bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics, where PR Sreejesh played a pivotal role. Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh confirmed Sreejesh’s new role, highlighting his contribution to the senior team’s success.
In the thrilling bronze medal match at the Yves du Manoir Stadium, India triumphed over Spain with a 2-1 victory, thanks to two goals from captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh’s outstanding saves. This achievement marks India’s first consecutive bronze medals in hockey since the 1972 Munich Games.
Bhola Nath Singh, speaking to ANI, stated that Hockey India will engage with SAI and the Government of India regarding Sreejesh’s appointment. He expressed confidence in Sreejesh’s ability to lead the junior team, saying, “Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has played his last match today, but I am pleased to announce that he will be the head coach of the Junior India Hockey team. We will be discussing this with SAI and the Government of India.”
Throughout the Olympic campaign, Sreejesh demonstrated his exceptional goalkeeping skills, facing 62 shots and saving 50, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the game.
Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh reflected on the significance of winning back-to-back bronze medals, acknowledging the team’s efforts and Sreejesh’s invaluable contribution. “Winning two consecutive bronze medals is a huge accomplishment. We aimed for gold, but we will learn from this experience. Sreejesh is an outstanding player,” Harmanpreet said.
In an intense match filled with energy, India added a fourth medal to their Olympic tally after trailing 0-1 in the first quarter. As the final whistle blew, Sreejesh, who was playing his last game for the senior team, was overcome with emotion. His teammates joined him on the field to celebrate this historic moment in Indian hockey.
