P.R. Sreejesh, India's talismanic goalkeeper, announced that the Paris Olympics would be his last outing in India colors. Sreejesh, who first came into the spotlight in the final of the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, has had a remarkable career spanning eighteen years and 328 international games.
The 36-year-old, who is playing in his fourth Olympics, took to social media to announce his retirement and reflect on his journey. He signed off with "One last ride." Hockey India (HI) soon released an official confirmation, declaring the tagline for the Indian team's Olympic campaign: "Win it for Sreejesh."
One of the highest-capped Indian players and the highest-capped current goalkeeper in the world, Sreejesh has been a key figure in Indian hockey. His career peaked at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he played a crucial role in ending Indian hockey’s medal drought with a bronze.
Sreejesh's medal cabinet is impressive, boasting two golds in 2014 & 2023 and a bronze in 2018 in the Asian Games, two silvers in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022, four golds in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023, a silver in 2012 in the Asian Champions Trophy, bronze in the now-defunct FIH World League in 2014 , two silvers in the erstwhile elite Champions Trophy in 2016 & 2018, gold in the FIH World Series Finals in 2019, and an Olympic bronze in 2021. His save in the final six seconds of the 2021 Olympic bronze medal game remains a career highlight.
Despite his many achievements, Sreejesh's biggest regret is missing out on a World Cup medal.
Off the field, Sreejesh has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2017, the Khel Ratna in 2021, and back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.
Sreejesh conveyed deep pride and appreciation when looking back on his career. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India for their support and belief in him.
Hockey India president and former captain Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh, recalling his evolution from a young goalkeeper from Kerala to a global hockey icon. Tirkey noted that this final outing in Paris will be special for both Sreejesh and the team.
While Sreejesh's playing days are ending, he has expressed a desire to coach future generations of players. He is likely to return to the national setup in a new role soon after the Olympics.
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