P.R. Sreejesh Critiques Hockey India Over Coaching Controversy

Sreejesh's Response to Hockey India's Decision

Renowned Indian hockey player P.R. Sreejesh has voiced his concerns regarding his recent removal as head coach of the Indian men's national junior hockey team. The two-time Olympic medalist took to social media to challenge Hockey India's (HI) justification for not renewing his contract, despite a successful coaching record. Sreejesh expressed his dissatisfaction with HI president Dilip Tirkey, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding the objectives of the developmental team.

He raised questions about the fairness of being offered a goalkeeping coach position after previously leading the team. Sreejesh stated, "When the Hockey India president proposed the 'development team,' I had several straightforward inquiries: Is there truly a development team? Who are the players involved? What is the program's framework? What camps are sanctioned for them? What tournaments are they gearing up for? Unfortunately, I received no responses to these queries. Regarding the goalkeeping role, after achieving a Junior World Cup bronze as head coach, is being reassigned to a goalkeeper coach position seen as a promotion or a demotion?"

Furthermore, Sreejesh reiterated his concerns about the preference for foreign coaches, despite HI's claims of prioritizing local talent development. He noted, "With 4 teams, there are 6 foreign coaches, 3 foreign strength and conditioning coaches, 1 foreign video analyst, and 2 visiting foreign goalkeeper coaches, along with 1 visiting foreign sports psychologist. Thankfully, we still have at least one Indian coach per team, according to the Hockey India app. The junior team is already filled with foreign coaches. Is it time to expect the same for the U18 teams? While Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal are doing commendable work, perhaps the president believes they lack sufficient experience or qualifications to coach Indian teams. Should we anticipate more foreign coaches in those roles as well?"

For context, Sreejesh previously stated that he was dismissed despite achieving five podium finishes during his 18-month tenure. However, HI has countered that his contract simply came to an end.