PR Sreejesh Raises Concerns Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Sreejesh Questions Hockey India's Coaching Structure

PR Sreejesh, a former goalkeeper for India and a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, has expressed his concerns regarding the coaching framework and the proposed 'development team' by Hockey India. In a recent post on X, he mentioned that he was approached by the president of Hockey India about this initiative but has yet to receive answers to several critical questions regarding its structure and operations.

Inquiries About the Development Team

Sreejesh stated, "When the Hockey India president discussed the 'development team' with me, I posed several straightforward questions. Do we actually have a development team? Who are the players involved? What is the program's structure? Which camps are sanctioned for them? What tournaments are they preparing for?" He noted that none of these inquiries were addressed.

He also questioned the decision to reassign him as a goalkeeper coach after he led the junior team to a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup, asking if this was a promotion or a demotion.

Concerns Regarding Foreign Coaches

Sreejesh raised issues about the number of foreign coaches and support staff within the national setup, detailing various roles such as strength and conditioning experts, video analysts, goalkeeper coaches, and a sports psychologist. He pointed out, "There are 4 teams with 6 foreign coaches, 3 foreign strength and conditioning coaches, 1 foreign video analyst, 2 visiting foreign goalkeeper coaches, and 1 visiting foreign sports psychologist."

He lamented that only one Indian coach is part of each team, as indicated by the Hockey India app.

Doubts on Indian Coaches' Experience

Sreejesh referred to prominent figures like Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, acknowledging their contributions but questioning whether they would be deemed 'experienced enough' for significant coaching roles. He remarked, "Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal are performing excellently, but perhaps the president believes they lack the necessary experience or qualifications to lead Indian teams. Should we expect an influx of foreign coaches in these positions as well?"

Response from Hockey India President

These comments from Sreejesh followed a statement from Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who clarified that Sreejesh was not 'fired' from his position as coach of the men's junior hockey team. He explained that Sreejesh's coaching contract concluded in December 2025.

Tirkey's remarks came after Sreejesh claimed on X that his coaching role had ended due to Hockey India's decision to appoint a foreign coach. In response, Tirkey confirmed that Sreejesh's term had ended as per contractual obligations and that a formal recruitment process was initiated to find a new coach.