Hockey India Honours PR Sreejesh By Retiring His Iconic No. 16 Jersey, Appoints Him Junior Team Coach

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Hockey India has decided to retire the jersey number of goalkeeping legend P R Sreejesh at the senior level. This decision follows his retirement after playing a pivotal role in securing India's second consecutive Olympic bronze at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Games.

The number 16 jersey will no longer be assigned to any senior team player, although it will still be used at the level.

During a felicitation event, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh announced that Sreejesh would now take on the role of junior national coach.

"Sreejesh is now going to be the junior team coach and we are retiring the No. 16 jersey for the senior team. We are not retiring No. 16 for the junior team," Singh stated. He added, "Sreejesh dusra Sreejesh ko paida karega in junior team (Sreejesh will groom another Sreejesh in the junior team who will wear the No.16 jersey)."

Honouring a Legend

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh's contributions, stating he deserves to be called the "God of Modern Indian Hockey." Tirkey expressed gratitude for Sreejesh's service, saying, "This is not a farewell, but a celebration of everything PR Sreejesh has achieved and contributed to Indian Hockey over the 18 years. For what Sreejesh has given to Indian hockey, he should surely be called the 'God of Modern Indian Hockey'."

The ceremony saw players donning identical red jerseys with Sreejesh's name on them as a tribute to him. Also present was pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by becoming the first Indian athlete post-independence to win two Olympic medals with her bronze medals in 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events.

A Fairytale Farewell

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed pride in giving Sreejesh a memorable send-off. "Sreejesh has become a crucial part of our lives. He has always guided us like an elder brother on and off the pitch," he said. The sentiment was echoed by many who attended the event.

Sreejesh himself was deeply moved by Hockey India's gesture. "It's difficult to put into words how grateful and honoured I feel about this gesture from Hockey India," he said. Reflecting on his career, he added, "Eighteen years is a long journey. I've experienced all the highs and lows, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I've enjoyed every minute of my time as an international player, and will deeply miss my teammates, who have become a second family to me."

This significant move by Hockey India underscores their appreciation for Sreejesh's nearly two-decade-long career and his immense contribution to Indian hockey.