PR Sreejesh, a stalwart of Indian hockey, was a key figure during his extensive playing career, particularly noted for his instrumental role in leading the team to consecutive bronze medals. Hockey India (HI) recognized his legendary contributions through two significant gestures: they celebrated the retirement of his iconic No.16 jersey in a grand ceremony in August 2024 and named him the head coach of the Indian junior men’s team, aiming to leverage his extensive experience and insights in contemporary hockey.
Event Context
“After 1.5 years in my coaching role, during which we participated in five tournaments and earned five podium finishes, including securing a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup, it appears my coaching journey has come to an end,” stated the 38-year-old on X. “While I’ve heard of coaches being dismissed due to poor results, this is my first experience of being let go to accommodate a foreign coach.”
The Khel Ratna awardee’s coaching debut occurred at the Sultan of Johor Cup in October 2024, where India won bronze. The team followed this achievement by claiming gold at the Junior Asia Cup that December. In October 2025, Sreejesh’s squad returned with a silver medal from the Sultan of Johor Cup, before clinching bronze again at the Junior World Cup in December 2025.
Shortly after Sreejesh expressed his frustration on social media, Hockey India (HI) released a statement clarifying that Sreejesh’s contract had expired in December 2025, following the Junior World Cup. The organization then officially advertised the coaching position, inviting applications as per established procedures. Numerous candidates, including Sreejesh, submitted their applications, which were evaluated to create a shortlist based on merit. A committee, comprising officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), sanctioned the appointment, leading to the selection of Soyez, with subsequent approval from the union sports ministry.
Player Focus
Tirkey clarified to HT, “We have not terminated Sreejesh’s contract. In fact, we offered him the role of coach for the development team (India A), which is vital for both the LA 2028 Olympics and the upcoming Olympic cycle. Additionally, we proposed that he take on the responsibilities of goalkeeping coach for the senior national team.”
Team Analysis
After twenty-one months, the positive sentiment surrounding the team has taken a downturn. In a pointed social media announcement on Wednesday, Sreejesh revealed that his contract as the junior coach has not been renewed. He attributed this decision to the team’s consistent podium finishes during his tenure, coupled with the selection of a foreign coach for his position, allegedly recommended by senior coach Craig Fulton from South Africa.
Sreejesh questioned the ongoing preference for foreign coaches, stating, “The Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, indicated that the chief coach of the senior men’s team believes a foreign head coach will aid in the development of Indian hockey from the grassroots level to the senior ranks. Can’t Indian coaches contribute to this development?”
He recalled a conversation with Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya on March 7, 2026, during which he was encouraged to take a leadership role as the nation gears up for the 2036 preparations. Nonetheless, he noted that Hockey India continues to favor foreign coaches across all four teams.
Despite being offered various coaching roles to enhance his experience, Sreejesh declined to reconsider his decision. There has been no indication that the chief coach preferred a foreign coach, as per his statements.
In response to claims of influence from Fulton in the decision-making process, Tirkey stated, “It’s incorrect to say that Fulton influenced the decision. Our focus is on providing Sreejesh with more exposure and experience to boost his confidence, which is why we offered him the India A coaching position. This offer remains available. We recognize Sreejesh as a legendary figure in the sport and look forward to his continued success.”
Reports suggest that one of the primary reasons for Sreejesh’s removal was a misalignment between his tactics and the structures implemented by Fulton, a critical factor since the junior squad serves as the primary feeder for the senior team, which recently achieved consecutive Olympic medals after a 52-year wait.
Match Outlook
The recent appointment of Fred Soyez, a French national, as the new head coach for junior men’s hockey marks a significant development in the team’s coaching strategy. This decision follows a proper selection process, during which former captain Sreejesh was approached for alternative roles but ultimately chose to decline them. Unfortunately, this situation has sparked controversy within the Indian hockey community.
Sources close to Sreejesh have reported that the four-time Olympian is feeling disappointed, as he was led to believe his contract would be renewed. ‘He felt left in limbo for months, which has caused frustration,’ revealed a person familiar with the situation.
Soyez, 48, is set to take over Sreejesh’s role. Previously, he served as head coach for both the French and Spanish national teams and was the High Performance Director for France.
