Celebrated Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics Matches. The 36-year-old will end an 18-year career, during which he was pivotal in many historic moments for India.
PR Sreejesh’s Announcement
PR Sreejesh, a veteran of 328 international caps, will be playing in his fourth Olympics in Paris, starting on July 26. “As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh said in a Hockey India press release. He expressed gratitude for the love and support from his family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India.
Career Highlights
Sreejesh made his debut at the 2006 South Asian Games and was part of many memorable victories. He won gold at the 2014 Asian Games and bronze at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang. He also played crucial roles in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy and the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals.
Tokyo Olympics and Beyond
Sreejesh was instrumental in India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Captain Harmanpreet Singh said the team aims to secure another medal in Paris to make Sreejesh’s last tournament memorable. “We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and are encouraged to stand on the podium again,” Harmanpreet said.
Awards and Recognitions
Sreejesh received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. He is only the second Indian to win the World Games Athlete of the Year award. Additionally, he won consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.
Asian Games Success
Sreejesh played a key role in India’s gold medal win at the Asian Games, securing the team’s berth for the Paris Olympics. Hockey India (HI) President Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh’s contributions and expressed hope that the team will perform well in Paris.
Tributes from Hockey India
HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh congratulated Sreejesh on his stellar career, calling him a legend and an inspiration. “Hockey India respects his decision to retire after the Paris Olympics Matches, making this a truly special tournament for the team and Indian hockey fans,” Singh said.
Paris Olympics Schedule
The Indian hockey team will begin its Olympic campaign on July 27 against New Zealand. They will then face Argentina on July 29, Ireland on July 30, Belgium on August 1, and Australia on August 2. The team has reached Paris after training in Switzerland.
As PR Sreejesh prepares for his final Paris Olympics Matches, the Indian hockey team hopes to honor his legacy by winning another medal. Sreejesh’s dedication and achievements have left an indelible mark on Indian hockey, and his retirement will be the end of an era for the sport in India. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 News from IPL365.
