Sreejesh made his international debut for India in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka. His father has been the most influential person in his career, while Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillai is his idol. Sreejesh's dedication and hard work are rooted in his upbringing in a farming family.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout his career, Sreejesh faced several injuries. In 2017, he injured his ACL, MCL, and meniscus during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia but made a comeback in January 2018. He also missed the 2012 Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury and both the 2010 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games due to other injuries.

Memorable Achievements

One of Sreejesh's most memorable achievements is winning bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This victory ended a 41-year medal drought for India since their gold win at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He celebrated by climbing on top of the goalpost, symbolising his connection with it.

Awards and Honours

Sreejesh has received numerous awards throughout his career. He was named Athlete of the Year by the World Games in 2021 and Goalkeeper of the Year by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) the same year. He also received India's Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and the Arjuna Award in 2015.

Philosophy and Approach

Sreejesh believes that a goalkeeper's role is crucial yet often thankless. His motto reflects this: "A goalkeeper is doing a thankless job but he can be the difference between a team winning and losing." His approach to training and matches is influenced by this philosophy.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Sreejesh aims to win gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and secure a medal at the 2023 World Cup in India. He also hopes to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His future plans depend on his performance at these events.

Senior Role and Adaptation

After winning bronze at Tokyo 2020, Sreejesh spoke about adapting to play with younger teammates. He emphasised the importance of being calm and clear while communicating with them. He also highlighted the need for proper sleep and recovery as he competes with younger players.

Other Activities

In addition to his playing career, Sreejesh has been serving as a member of the athletes committee at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) since 2017. This role has helped him grow individually as a player and contribute to the sport off the field.

Sreejesh's journey from a sprinter to one of India's top hockey goalkeepers is inspiring. His dedication, resilience, and achievements have made him a key figure in Indian hockey. As he looks forward to future challenges, his contributions continue to be significant for both his team and the sport.