In a major announcement that has resonated across the Indian sports community, stalwart Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh confirmed that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark his final appearance in international hockey. The 36-year-old veteran, who has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey for over a decade, revealed his decision on Monday, prompting a wave of tributes and support from teammates, fans, and officials.
Sreejesh’s illustrious career, spanning 328 international caps, includes participation in three Olympic Games, multiple Commonwealth Games, and World Cups. He debuted at the 2006 South Asian Games and has since been instrumental in numerous victories for India, including the Gold in the 2014 Asian Games, Bronze at the Jakarta-Palembang Games, and the historic Bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His contributions were pivotal in India’s third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 and the Gold medal at the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.
In recognition of his exceptional career, Sreejesh received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and became only the second Indian sportsperson to be named World Games Athlete of the Year. He also won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards consecutively in 2021 and 2022.
Expressing his sentiments, Sreejesh said, “As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India.”
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh lauded Sreejesh’s contributions. Dr. Tirkey recalled, “Sreejesh was hardly 18 or 19 years old when I first saw him in the Indian camp. He is a very special player, and my heart fills with joy and gratitude for his exemplary contribution to Indian hockey. This outing in Paris will certainly be special, and I believe Sreejesh’s decision will only encourage the team further to stand on the podium yet again.”
Shri Bhola Nath Singh echoed these sentiments, adding, “Sreejesh is a legend, an inspiration to the entire nation. I congratulate him on a fantastic career that has brought honour and pride to the nation. Hockey India respects his decision to retire after the Paris Olympic Games, making this a truly special tournament not just for the team but also for Indian hockey fans.”
Captain Harmanpreet Singh affirmed the team’s dedication to making the Paris 2024 Olympics a memorable farewell for Sreejesh. “Paris 2024 will indeed be a special tournament. We have decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend PR Sreejesh. He has been an inspiration for all of us, and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again,” he said.
The Indian team has launched a “Win it for Sreejesh” campaign, urging global hockey fans to support their quest for Olympic glory in Paris. As Sreejesh prepares for his final bow, the nation stands united in celebrating the career of one of its greatest sports icons.