Hockey India has officially retired the iconic No. 16 jersey worn by legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh in a heartfelt tribute to his illustrious career.
This announcement was made on August 14, 2024, following Sreejesh’s retirement from international hockey after playing a pivotal role in securing India’s second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
A Celebrated Career
Sreejesh, who has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey for nearly two decades, has garnered immense respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport.
Over his career, he has played a crucial role in numerous tournaments, including the Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games, but his standout performances at the Olympics have solidified his legacy.
His remarkable ability to make crucial saves and lead the team from the back has made him one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in Indian hockey history.
Official Announcement
At a felicitation ceremony, Bhola Nath Singh, the Secretary General of Hockey India, announced the retirement of the No. 16 jersey from the senior national team.
He emphasized that while the senior team will no longer wear this number, it will still be available for junior players.
Bhola Nath Singh stated, “Sreejesh will groom someone like him in the junior team who will wear the No. 16 jersey,” highlighting Sreejesh’s new role as the head coach of the Indian junior hockey team.
Transition to Coaching
In addition to retiring his jersey, Hockey India has appointed Sreejesh as the junior men’s hockey team coach.
This move is seen as a strategic decision to leverage his extensive experience and knowledge to nurture the next generation of hockey talent in India.
Sreejesh expressed his aspirations to develop young players, drawing inspiration from cricket legend Rahul Dravid, who successfully transitioned from player to coach.
He aims to create a robust feeder system for the national team, ensuring a steady flow of talent into the senior ranks.
Sreejesh’s Vision
Sreejesh shared his thoughts on his new role, stating, “I want to become a coach. That was always my plan… The way I wanted is to start with the juniors, and Rahul Dravid is an example.”
He emphasized the importance of developing a strong foundation for young players, which he believes is essential for the future success of Indian hockey.
Legacy and Impact
The decision to retire Sreejesh’s No. 16 jersey is a testament to his impact on the sport and the respect he has earned from fans, teammates, and officials alike.
His contributions to Indian hockey will be remembered for generations, and his transition into coaching is seen as a promising step towards sustaining the sport’s growth in the country.
