Hockey India Refutes PR Sreejesh's Allegations, Says Coaching Term Ended as Per Contract

New Delhi, May 12: Hockey India has issued an official clarification in response to allegations made by Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh regarding his exit from the junior men's team coaching setup.

In a statement released on Wednesday (May 13), Hockey India denied claims that Sreejesh was "fired" to accommodate a foreign coach and asserted that his coaching tenure had concluded naturally as per the terms of his contract.

"Hockey India would like to officially state that the coaching term for P.R. Sreejesh was officially concluded as per contract in December 2025," the federation's release said.

The governing body further explained that the junior team coaching role was subsequently advertised and filled through a formal recruitment and selection process based on merit.

"After this, as per protocol the position was advertised and applicants were shortlisted and finalised as per a proper selection process basis merit," the statement added.

Hockey India also revealed that a "coach with distinguished qualification" has been selected and that an official announcement regarding the appointment will be made shortly.

Hockey India Denies 'Foreign Coach Preference' Claim

Sreejesh had earlier questioned Hockey India's continued preference for foreign coaches and claimed he was being replaced to make way for an overseas appointment.

However, Hockey India firmly rejected those allegations. "In no terms has it ever been conveyed to him that there has been any preference for a foreign coach by the chief coach," the federation stated.

The organisation added that it remains aligned with the government's long-term sporting vision leading up to the 2036 Olympics and emphasised that developing Indian coaches remains a major priority.

"We are collectively working towards the vision of our government to build a pathway towards 2036 and a big part of that process is to develop our Indian coaching talent," the statement read.

Sreejesh Was Offered Development Team Role

Hockey India also disclosed that Sreejesh had been offered another important coaching position within the national setup after his junior team tenure ended.

"We have in no terms 'fired' Sreejesh and in fact had offered him the position of Coach for the Development team which plays a critical role for LA 28 and the next Olympic cycle as well," Hockey India said.

According to the federation, the proposed role would have helped Sreejesh gain additional coaching experience and exposure.

"This would have furthered his experience and exposure as a coach. However, he did not accept this position despite being asked to reconsider the decision," it added.

Hockey India Highlights Investment in Indian Coaches

The federation also highlighted its efforts toward strengthening Indian coaching systems at the grassroots level.

"Development of the grassroots and homegrown coaches has always been central to the interests of Hockey India as a national sports federation," the statement said.

Hockey India claimed that its coaching pathway programme has already certified over 600 Indian coaches and has had nationwide impact.

The body further pointed out that Indian coaches are regularly aligned with chief coaches during training camps to improve their exposure and skill development.

"We have in fact aligned Indian coaches to our chief coaches in our training camps to enhance their exposure and skills further," the federation added.

Hockey India Backs Sreejesh Despite Dispute

Despite the ongoing controversy, Hockey India reiterated its respect for Sreejesh and acknowledged his immense contribution to Indian hockey.

"We continue to value P.R. Sreejesh as a legend of the sport and look forward to his future success," the statement concluded.

The clarification comes after Sreejesh's emotional social media post sparked widespread debate over the role of Indian coaches in the national hockey structure and the continued reliance on foreign coaching expertise.