PR Sreejesh Questions Hockey India After Being Overlooked For Junior Team Coach Role

Former India hockey captain PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India after reportedly being overlooked for the junior men’s team chief coach position despite leading the side to multiple podium finishes.

What happened

• Sreejesh said he was removed to make way for a foreign coach
• He had coached India’s junior men’s team after retiring following the Paris Olympics
• Under his tenure, the team secured five podium finishes in five tournaments
• Hockey India has reportedly finalised a foreign coach for the junior setup

Sreejesh’s criticism

In a strongly worded social media post, Sreejesh expressed disappointment over the federation’s decision-making process.

He stated:

“I have heard about coaches getting fired after bad performances. But this is the first time I am experiencing being removed to make way for a foreign coach.”

The former goalkeeper questioned why Indian coaches continue receiving limited opportunities despite repeated discussions around developing domestic coaching talent.

Sreejesh’s coaching achievements

Under Sreejesh, India’s junior men’s team achieved:

2024

• Sultan of Johor Cup — Bronze
• Junior Asia Cup — Gold

2025

• Sultan of Johor Cup — Silver
• FIH Junior World Cup — Bronze

Hockey India’s response

Hockey India said:

• Sreejesh’s contract concluded in December 2025
• The coaching position was re-advertised through a standard selection process
• A candidate with “distinguished qualifications” was selected on merit

The federation also stated Sreejesh had been offered another developmental coaching role, which he reportedly declined.

Debate over foreign coaches

Sreejesh highlighted the growing dominance of foreign coaching staff within Indian hockey.

He said there are currently multiple foreign coaches and support staff in the system while Indian coaches continue struggling for opportunities.

He questioned:

• How Indian coaches can gain experience if they are repeatedly overlooked
• Whether long-term domestic coach development is actually being prioritised

Why it matters

The controversy has reopened debate around:

• Foreign versus Indian coaches in national sports systems
• Long-term development of Indian coaching talent
• Career pathways for retired Indian athletes entering coaching roles

Sreejesh is considered one of India’s greatest hockey goalkeepers and remains highly respected within Indian sport.

What changes

• Pressure may increase on Hockey India to explain coaching appointment policies
• Discussions around domestic coach development could intensify
• Future appointments within Indian hockey may face greater public scrutiny

Who is affected

• Indian hockey coaching ecosystem
• Former athletes transitioning into coaching careers
• Hockey India administration
• Junior and senior national hockey setups

What to watch next

Attention will now focus on Hockey India’s official appointment of the foreign coach, whether Sreejesh takes up another coaching role in future, and how the broader debate over Indian versus foreign coaching structures develops within the sport.