Hockey India Clarifies PR Sreejesh's Coaching Status Amid Controversy
Clarification on Coaching Tenure
On Wednesday, Dilip Tirkey, the president of Hockey India, addressed the situation regarding former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, stating that he was not 'fired' from his position as coach of the men's junior hockey team. Tirkey explained that Sreejesh's coaching contract was set to conclude in December 2025. This clarification follows Sreejesh's earlier claims on social media, where he suggested that his coaching role had ended due to Hockey India's decision to appoint a foreign coach.
Official Statement from Hockey India
In response to Sreejesh's allegations, Tirkey emphasized that the conclusion of Sreejesh's coaching term was in accordance with his contract. He noted that Hockey India adhered to a formal recruitment process to select a new coach. 'Hockey India officially states that P.R. Sreejesh's coaching term ended as per contract in December 2025. Following this, the position was advertised, and candidates were shortlisted based on merit,' Tirkey remarked.
Development Team Role Offered
Tirkey further clarified that Sreejesh was not dismissed but was instead offered a position as the coach of the development team, which is crucial for preparing for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle. This role would have provided Sreejesh with additional coaching experience. 'We did not 'fire' Sreejesh; we offered him the development team coach position, which is vital for the upcoming Olympic cycle. However, he declined the offer despite being encouraged to reconsider,' Tirkey added.
Sreejesh's Concerns About Foreign Coaches
In his social media post, Sreejesh expressed concerns that Hockey India favored appointing a foreign coach for the junior team, allegedly based on recommendations from Craig Fulton, the chief coach of the senior men's team. He questioned whether Indian coaches could not develop the sport effectively. 'The Hockey India President mentioned that the senior men's team coach prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it would enhance the development of Indian hockey,' Sreejesh stated.
Hockey India's Stance on Coaching Preferences
However, Tirkey refuted Sreejesh's claims, asserting that no such preference for a foreign coach was communicated to him. He reiterated Hockey India's commitment to developing local coaching talent in alignment with the government's vision for the 2036 Olympics. 'It has never been conveyed to him that there is a preference for a foreign coach. We are focused on developing our Indian coaching talent as part of our long-term strategy,' Tirkey explained.
Commitment to Grassroots Development
Tirkey emphasized that nurturing grassroots and homegrown coaches is a priority for Hockey India. He highlighted that the coaching pathway program has certified over 600 Indian coaches, significantly impacting the sport nationwide. 'Developing grassroots coaches has always been central to Hockey India's mission. Our coaching pathway program has certified over 600 coaches and has had a nationwide impact,' he stated.
Sreejesh's Reflection on His Coaching Journey
Reflecting on his coaching experience, Sreejesh noted that the team achieved podium finishes in all five tournaments during his tenure, including a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup in 2025. 'It seems my coaching career ends after 1.5 years, during which we secured five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal,' he shared. He expressed surprise at being replaced despite positive results to accommodate a foreign coach.