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Cheers to PR Sreejesh, The God of Modern Indian Hockey

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Image source- https://www.hockeyindia.org/
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On August 14, 2024 Hockey India celebrated the legendary lifetime of ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh by announcing his retirement from international hockey. The “God of Modern Indian Hockey” as Sreejesh is often spite, has been a legend on and off the field throughout his stupendous 18-year career. This piece focuses on the event, Sreejesh’s achievements and his contribution to Indian hockey.

The Grand Celebration

Hockey India organised a special function in New Delhi to mark the international retirement of PR Sreejesh. In a heartwarming gesture, Sreejesh was honoured with a bouquet, one memento and an amount of INR 25 lakhs for his phenomenal service to Indian hockey. Earlier, Hockey India also announced the retirement of Sreejesh’s legendary jersey No.

16 from the men’s senior team as a recognition to his contribution towards Indian hockey match similarly encouraging youngsters who wished to take up hockey as their profession someday like he did years ago.

Glorious Career

The first step into Hockey for PR Sreejesh was his home town Kizhakkambalam Village in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Sreejesh was born on May 8, 1988 in a family of farmers. He began playing hockey when he was 12 years old and, in a flash, Junior Team debut (2004), Senior Team (2006).

In the years since, Sreejesh has become one of India’s most successful goalkeepers. He played for India in four Olympic Games, Four Hockey World Cup, Three Asian Games and Commonwealth three times. India got back to the of international hockey due to his excellent goalkeeping and leadership.

Significant Accomplishments and Contributions

Career of PR Sreejesh has been studded with number of outstanding achievements. Under his guidance, the Indian men’s hockey team scripted history at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, winning their first Olympic Bronze Medal in over a span of five decades(52 years).

The also-successful campaign of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in the Asian Games saw Sreejesh play a vital role to win two Gold Medals (2014 and 2022), while he was instrumental in helping India win Bronze Medal during their third-place finish at Asiad, Jakarta-Palembang. He was also the architect of India’s wins as champions in four editions of Asian Champions Trophy (2011, 2016, 2018 and 2023).

Sreejesh has received several awards throughout his career which includes the Arjuna Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and World Games Athlete of the Year. He has also won the FIH Best Goalkeeper of Year award two times making him one most talented goalkeeper in world hockey.

PR Sreejesh

Image source- https://www.news9live.com/

An Emotional Farewell

His farewell ceremony was an emotional one as his family, including team mates and hockey key figures were present. Even more special, his wife, kids and even parents were there as well. Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey Hockey.

India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh along with the Executive Members of Hockey India were present to pay their tribute on his achievement.

It also featured a special performance by music producer consisting of Viral melody creator and musician Yashraj Mukhate, with an anthem dedicated to motivating the adoption Indian Men’s Hockey Team through the Paris 2024 Olympics journey. It was a fitting, jubilant anthem with its infectious rhythms and uplifting lyrics to mark the occasion.

He also received tributes from his teammated and coaches. 

Sreejesh has a Retrospection of His Career

PR Sreejesh thanked for the appreciation and. He thanked Hockey India, and coaches for coaching him to be one of the matured players on field scoring important goals along with teammates in major games as guided by his family. Sreejesh looked back at his journey over the 18 years, each up and downs pushing him to become that person he is today.

He also talked about his future that while he might retire from international duty, that does not mean retirement is on the table entirely

Praise for Leadership by Hockey India

The President Hockey India, Dr. Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh too praised Sreejesh while he bid adieu to Indian hockey today. They declared it was not a goodbye party, but an acknowledgment of Sreejesh’s consistent influence.

Final Thoughts from Coaches

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton and Harendra Singh, Indian Women’s Hockey team Chief Coach also expressed their views on Sreejesh. Coach Fulton said the ‘little celebration’ was for a man who has given so much to Indian hockey. He told Sreejesh that he was always welcome to return in any position, if needed.

Former Coach Harendra Singh who mentored Sreejesh in his early days was thrilled to witness him as a double Olympic medalist. 

Conclusion

Having retired from international hockey tournament, PR Sreejesh has marked the end of an era in Indian hockey and his legacy will motivate even future generations. The legend had a great influence on Indian hockey with his contributions, both in field and out of it.

Sreejesh will begin a new chapter in his life but he shall forever be etched as the “God of Modern Indian Hockey” to all parts of hockey fraternity and fans.

Reference links:

https://www.hockeyindia.org/news/hockey-india-felicitates-god-of-modern-indian-hockey-pr-sreejesh-with-a-grand-celebration

https://www.news9live.com/sports/others-sports/pr-sreejesh-bestowed-with-god-of-modern-indian-hockey-in-grand-felicitation-ceremony-2656594

https://www.ndtv.com/video/hockey-india-honours-goalkepeer-pr-sreejesh-retires-his-no-16-jersey-825888

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