Hockey India felicitates ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey’ PR Sreejesh with a grand celebration
As the legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh announced his retirement from International hockey, Hockey India on Wednesday hosted a grand celebration to honour the icon of the sport, recognising him with the title of ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey’.
Hockey India presented Sreejesh with a bouquet, memento and prize money of Rs. 25 lakh for his contribution to Indian hockey. Sreejesh, who dedicated 18 years of his life to Indian hockey, once again played an instrumental role in India’s recent Bronze Medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, just as he did in Tokyo 2020. This achievement marked the team’s second consecutive podium finish after 52 years, further extending the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s record medal tally to 13 at the Summer Olympic Games.
The celebration of Sreejesh’s illustrious international hockey career was further highlighted by a special performance from music producer and social media sensation Yashraj Mukhate, who created an anthem to spur the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He has been instrumental in several memorable victories for India, including two Olympic Bronze Medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold Medals (2014 and 2022), one Asian Games Bronze Medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver Medals (2014 and 2022). Additionally, he has played a key role in India winning the Asian Champions Trophy four times (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). From the Arjuna Award to the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, World Games Athlete of the Year, and two-time winner of FIH Best Goalkeeper of the Year, Sreejesh has earned numerous accolades throughout his career for his contributions to the sport.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “We really love Sree. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh, who has also coached Sreejesh in his early days, said, “I feel so proud and emotional to see my Jangoo become a double Olympic medalist.
