PR Sreejesh Discusses His Role as Director of Hockey for SG Pipers

Insights on Administrative Responsibilities

PR Sreejesh, the renowned Indian goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, has shared his thoughts on the challenges and rewards of his position as Director of Hockey for the SG Pipers in the Hockey India League (HIL).

While Sreejesh finds enjoyment in his administrative duties, he acknowledges the hurdles that come with it. He stated, "It's enjoyable, but it also presents challenges. Fortunately, I have a capable team handling the more difficult aspects, and I aim to guide them using my experience as a player."

His main priority is to ensure the well-being and comfort of the players, leveraging his extensive field experience. "I emphasize the essentials we need to focus on for the players' comfort, such as quality clothing and suitable travel arrangements to ensure they have adequate recovery time. My goal is to provide valuable insights for the players' improvement and to be a motivating presence when the team needs it most," he elaborated.

Sreejesh, who earned bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, remarked, "The most challenging aspect is achieving results. As an administrator, my aim is to ensure the team receives everything they need in a well-organized manner, allowing them to perform at their best on the field."

He emphasized his role as a liaison between management and players, stating, "I serve as the connection between the corporate side and the players, which means I must take responsibility for the team's performance. It's crucial for me to provide the best facilities and ensure the players feel at ease, minimizing any stress before, during, or after tournaments. This role is different from being a player or coach, but my experiences from last year have helped me adapt to it."

Learning from Past Experiences

Reflecting on the SG Pipers' previous season, where both the men's and women's teams ended up at the bottom of the standings, Sreejesh noted that the franchise has tackled significant issues ahead of the upcoming season.

"Last year, we lost several key players before the tournament even began, which made it difficult to find replacements. Although we started strong, we couldn't finish as we had hoped," he explained.

This time, Sreejesh emphasized that improved planning has been a priority. "We have approached this season with better strategies. We revamped the coaching staff, recruited new players, and clearly communicated our expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities," he added.

Striking a Balance Between Youth and Experience

When discussing the team's composition of young and experienced players, Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team's balance. "We have a good mix of seniors and juniors, including four players from the Junior World Cup squad. Although Rupinder Pal Singh has retired, we still have experienced players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Aditya Arjun Lalage," he noted.

He praised the impact of veteran drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, despite his retirement from international hockey. "His leadership qualities and experience in drag-flicking will be crucial for us this season, especially in converting penalty corners into goals," Sreejesh concluded.