Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh is currently in conflict with Hockey India. He has publicly expressed his concerns about the organization after not receiving a contract extension for his position in the coaching staff of the junior men’s team.
Event Context
Sreejesh, a key member of the Indian hockey team that clinched medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics prior to his retirement in 2024, contributed to the junior team’s success with a bronze medal at the 2026 Junior Hockey World Cup. This achievement marked an improvement from two fourth-place finishes in previous tournaments, following their notable triumph in 2016. However, Sreejesh was not offered a contract extension, with claims suggesting that Hockey India (HI) opted to recruit overseas coaches instead.
In a candid post on X, Sreejesh expressed, “It appears my coaching journey is concluding after just 1.5 years, during which we participated in five tournaments and consistently reached the podium, including securing a bronze at the Junior World Cup.”
During a meeting on March 7, 2026, with Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Sreejesh recalled being encouraged, stating, “Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and guide our nation as we gear up for 2036,” in reference to the country’s Olympic ambitions for that year.
In response, HI released a statement indicating that while Sreejesh was offered a role within the developmental squad, they had decided to proceed with a new coach for the junior team. The statement elaborated, “In accordance with protocol, the position was publicly advertised, and candidates were shortlisted and selected through a formal merit-based process. A highly qualified coach has been chosen as a result of this procedure and will be announced soon.”
Player Focus
Sreejesh expressed his surprise at being replaced by a foreign coach, saying, ‘I’ve heard of coaches being dismissed after poor performances, but this is my first experience of being removed to make room for someone from abroad. Can Indian coaches truly nurture Indian hockey?’ He reflected on the reasoning behind his removal, stating, ‘I was told they needed someone with more experience, but didn’t they consider that when they first entrusted me with this role? I started with no experience at all! Later, they suggested I take on the development side—doesn’t a lack of experience here matter too? Additionally, do we actually have a clear development plan in place?’ Sreejesh’s discontent with the decision was evident. For Sreejesh, this situation is complicated by Hockey India’s commitment to fostering Indian coaching talent while simultaneously denying significant responsibilities to domestic coaches. ‘They often speak about nurturing Indian coaches but fail to provide meaningful roles,’ he stated. ‘How are we supposed to gain experience?’ He also pointed out that Shivendra Singh has served as an assistant with the Indian team for over five years without being promoted. ‘How has his hard-earned experience been acknowledged?’ Sreejesh further noted, ‘The junior men’s team was the only one with a completely Indian coaching staff, and we achieved results. While I’m not claiming to be the best, I do question how the new coach has superior qualifications.’
Team Analysis
Hockey India is reportedly in talks with French coach Aymeric Bergamo for a potential role with the junior team, according to a report from Sportstar. This comes amidst allegations from Sreejesh, who claims that senior men’s coach Craig Fulton prefers to collaborate with seasoned overseas coaches. This preference contradicts statements made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who emphasized the need for domestic coaches within the organization.
In a discussion with Sportstar, Sreejesh expressed his concerns, stating, “Hockey India’s president, Dilip Tirkey, informed me that Craig Fulton favors a foreign coach to enhance coordination and develop a cohesive structure between the junior and senior teams. I simply want to understand why he cannot achieve this with an Indian coach.”
Hockey India responded, stating, “We had offered Sreejesh the role of coach for the Development team, which would have enriched his coaching experience. Despite being encouraged to reconsider, he declined the position. At no point did we convey a preference for a foreign coach from the chief coach.”
Sreejesh also highlighted his frustrations by referencing the difficulties faced by Indian staff members working under South African coach Fulton, emphasizing that the senior men’s hockey team has struggled to perform since the Olympics, falling short in the Pro League and against top international teams. In contrast, he argues that the junior team is thriving under the guidance of Indian coaches, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the treatment of local coaching talent.
