PR Sreejesh Criticizes Hockey India Over Coaching Changes

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has voiced his discontent with Hockey India after being removed as head coach of the junior team to make way for a foreign coach. Despite leading the team to five podium finishes in five tournaments, Sreejesh questions the preference for foreign coaches over Indian talent. He recalls encouragement from the Sports Minister to develop Indian hockey as the country prepares for the 2036 Olympics. This controversy raises significant questions about the future of coaching in Indian hockey and the governing body's decisions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 18:24 IST

Controversy Surrounds Indian Hockey

Indian hockey icon PR Sreejesh has expressed his frustration with Hockey India (HI) following a significant controversy in Indian sports. The two-time Olympic medalist alleged that he was dismissed from his position as head coach of the Indian junior team to accommodate a foreign coach, despite the team's strong performance during his tenure. Sreejesh highlighted that under his leadership, the team achieved podium finishes in all five tournaments they participated in.

He stated that the decision to replace him was influenced by Craig Fulton, the head coach of the senior team. "It feels like my coaching journey has abruptly ended after just 1.5 years, during which we secured five podium finishes, including a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup. I have heard of coaches being dismissed after poor results, but this is the first time I am facing removal to allow a foreign coach to take over," Sreejesh remarked.

The President of Hockey India mentioned that the senior men's team coach favors a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing this approach will enhance the development of Indian hockey from the grassroots to the senior level. Sreejesh took to X to express his concerns, questioning why Indian coaches are not given the opportunity to lead. He recalled a conversation with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya earlier this year regarding India's aspirations for the 2036 Olympics, where he was encouraged to step up as a coach.

"Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey? On March 7, 2026, during a meeting with the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, 'Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country as we prepare for 2036.' Yet, Hockey India continues to favor foreign coaches over Indian talent across all teams," Sreejesh added.

Legacy of an Indian Great

Sreejesh is regarded as one of the finest hockey players in India’s history. The goalkeeper played a pivotal role in securing bronze medals for India at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Over his 18-year career, which began in 2006, he represented the Indian team 336 times. Following his retirement after the 2024 Olympics, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's junior hockey team (Indian U21 hockey team). During his tenure, the team won the Junior Asia Cup in 2024 and achieved a third-place finish at the Junior World Cup held in Chennai and Madurai last year. Additionally, the team earned bronze and silver medals at the Sultan of Johar Cup in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

After retiring, Sreejesh also took on the role of team director for the APL Pipers in the Hockey India League (HIL), which features both men's and women's teams. Notably, the women's team clinched the championship in the 2025-26 season, while the men's team finished eighth in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons since the league's relaunch. As of now, Hockey India has not responded to Sreejesh's allegations or provided any information regarding his replacement.