Hockey India has announced the retirement of the No. 16 jersey from the national senior men's team in honour of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who has announced his retirement from the sport after the Paris Olympics. This decision marks the celebration of an 18-year career, which includes back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. Sreejesh is set to take on the role of coach for the junior men's hockey team, following a coaching path inspired by Rahul Dravid.
"Hockey India retires the No. 16 jersey from the senior men's team, dedicated to PR Sreejesh," said Bhola Nath, Hockey India's secretary. This statement reflects the deep respect and admiration Sreejesh has earned throughout his career.
In addition to this tribute, Hockey India has confirmed Sreejesh’s new role as coach of the junior men's hockey team.
The 36-year-old Sreejesh has expressed his coaching ambitions, drawing inspiration from Dravid. "I want to become a coach. That was always my plan, but now there is a question of when. After retirement, family comes first. I need to talk with them if they are OK with this. Now you have to listen to your wife a little bit," Sreejesh shared in an interview with PTI.
Sreejesh outlined his approach to developing young talent, saying, "The way I wanted is to start with the juniors, and Rahul Dravid is an example. It’s like you develop a bunch of players, get them into the senior team, and let them follow you."
Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian hockey. His legacy is not only defined by his Olympic achievements but also by his dedication to the future of the sport. Valued by fans and colleagues, Sreejesh’s commitment and vision for Indian hockey promise to keep the sport’s ambitions high.
As the new coach of the junior men's hockey team, Sreejesh is focused on creating a strong feeder system for the national team. He aims to follow the example set by Rahul Dravid, who progressed from coaching India’s U-19 and A teams to becoming the head coach of the senior team. This strategic approach is intended to ensure a steady and high-quality flow of talent to the senior squad.
The decision to retire the No. 16 jersey highlights the respect Sreejesh has garnered throughout his career. His contributions to Indian hockey are celebrated, and his forthcoming role as a coach is eagerly awaited by the hockey community.
(With Agency Inputs)
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