In New Delhi, P. R. Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic medalist, voiced his disappointment on Wednesday following the non-renewal of his contract as head coach for the India U-21 hockey team. He criticized Hockey India for its apparent preference for hiring a foreign coach, despite the team’s successful performance during his tenure.
Event Context
After spending 1.5 years in coaching, I believe my tenure has come to a close, having participated in five tournaments and achieved five podium finishes, including a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup,” he shared on Twitter. Sreejesh, an Olympic bronze medalist from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, raised concerns about Hockey India’s apparent focus on hiring foreign coaches. During his time coaching the under-21 team, India not only reached the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup but also earned a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup held on home soil, and secured the gold medal at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat.
Player Focus
The former goalkeeper of India expressed his frustrations on the social media platform ‘X’, challenging the decision made by the governing body of the sport. He stated, “I’ve heard of coaches being dismissed due to poor performances, but this is the first time I’ve experienced removal to accommodate a foreign coach.”
Team Analysis
The President of Hockey India has indicated that the head coach of the senior men’s team favors appointing a foreign coach for the junior squad. This approach is believed to be crucial for nurturing Indian hockey from the grassroots to the senior levels. In light of this, questions have arisen regarding the reliance on foreign coaches, with Sreejesh expressing concern: “Why can’t Indian coaches elevate Indian hockey?” Sreejesh, whose previous contract concluded in December of the previous year, has reapplied for his position. During a meeting on March 7, 2026, with the Honourable Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, he was encouraged: “Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to take the lead as we prepare for 2036.” Despite this support, Hockey India appears to persist in prioritizing foreign coaching talent across all four national teams.
