Hockey India has announced retirement of number 16 jersey from the national senior men’s team in honor of PR Sreejesh, goalkeeper who announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics. The decision is an occasion to commemorate an eighteen-year career with two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. Rahul Dravid’s influence inspired Sreejesh to his path that ends with coaching the junior men’ hockey squad.
Bhola Nath, Secretary of Hockey India said, “The number 16 shirt is now retired by Hockey India, as a mark of respect to Mr. P.R Srijeesh.” The statement emphasises how highly regarded and revered Sreejesh was throughout his playing days.
Besides this homage, Hockey India also revealed that Sreejesh would now be taking up a new position as coach for junior male hockey team.
36-year-old Sreejesh had spoken about his goals for his coaching career as he took 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 told PTI while speaking about his future plans.
“Start with juniors like Rahul Dravid; it is exactly what I wanted,” explained Sreejesh regarding his way of nurturing talents at an early age so that they can come through to play for him in their later years as seniors.
Sreejesh has also ended other aspects of Indian hockey which were very significant. His legacy has been shaped not just by winning medals on Olympic platforms but through shaping Indian hockey’s tomorrow too. Loved by supporters and colleagues alike; commitment to sport plus vision for tomorrow assure us on India’s bright hockey plans—as it looks at retiring srejeshipromises.
Sreejesh wants to build a strong pipeline for the national team. Taking after Rahul Dravid, he plans to begin as a coach of Jr men’s team and later on take charge of the senior team. This step-by-step procedure is design to ensure that national teams have a consistent supply of quality players coming from the juniors.
The decision to retire the No. 16 jersey underscores Sreejesh’s earned esteem during his career. Indian hockey heralds his contribution while anticipating his new role as a trainer by featuring him in their next edition.
