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In a significant move, former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has withdrawn from the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024 Player Auction, officially marking the end of his illustrious playing career. Sreejesh, who recently retired from international hockey, has decided to shift his focus towards coaching and mentoring the next generation of players, highlighting his continued commitment to Indian hockey.
In an exclusive conversation with Sportstar, PR Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career and shared his excitement for the new chapter.
“After much thought, I have decided to withdraw my name from the Player Auction for the upcoming Hockey India League,” Sreejesh wrote to Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey.
“I have achieved everything I ever dreamt of as a player, and it will be unfair for me to continue playing now, blocking perhaps a talented youngster’s spot,” he added.
The decision to withdraw from the auction comes after much thought and consideration. PR Sreejesh, widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Indian hockey history, played a pivotal role in India’s success at multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics.
PR Sreejesh shifts focus to coaching and mentorship
With his playing days behind him, PR Sreejesh will now take on a new role as a coach and mentor. He has already been assigned to lead the junior Indian men’s hockey team, pending final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports.
In addition, Sreejesh is also set to be a Brand Ambassador of one of the teams in the Hockey India League.
Sreejesh explained his decision in further detail, emphasizing that returning to play one last time did not feel right to him.
“I ended my playing career on a high by standing on top of the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games... Bowing down to the goalpost after the win over Spain and celebrating with my teammates was special, and I want those memories to remain with me forever. Returning to the turf for ‘One Last Dance’ does not feel right now, and I fear it would tamper with those memories and special moments,” he told Sportstar.
Sreejesh also expressed his belief in the future of Indian hockey and the impact the league can have on young players.
“The HIL, in its previous outing, helped develop an entire generation of Indian players and was the foundation that built India’s international success over the last few years. I believe it will do the same this time around and help give youngsters and a new crop of Indian players the exposure and experience to excel for the national team,” he added.
PR Sreejesh’s move from player to mentor has been met with approval from Hockey India. While the official announcement is still awaited, it can be confirmed that Sreejesh’s new role with the Hockey India League will span an initial period of three years and will not conflict with his national duties, as per reports.
“My love and passion for Indian hockey remains intact, and with your blessings, I am about to embark on a new journey as a coach and mentor to the next generation of champions. That is my present and future now, and that is where my priorities lie. It will be more of a mentorship role, using my experience to assist the team in every way possible,” he said.
