PR Sreejesh Discusses Challenges and Joys of Managing SG Pipers in Hockey India League
Insights from PR Sreejesh on His Role
In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, PR Sreejesh, the renowned Indian goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, has shared his thoughts on the dual nature of his role as the Director of Hockey for the SG Pipers in the Hockey India League (HIL).
While Sreejesh finds his administrative position enjoyable, he acknowledges the challenges it entails. He remarked, “It’s quite fun, but it also presents challenges. Fortunately, I have a capable team handling the more difficult aspects of administration, 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, drawing from his extensive experience on the field. “I emphasize the areas we need to focus on to ensure player comfort, such as quality clothing systems and suitable travel arrangements. It’s crucial to provide players with adequate recovery time,” he explained.
Sreejesh, who earned bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, noted that the most challenging aspect of his role is ensuring positive results. “As an administrator, my goal is to guarantee that the team receives everything they need in a well-organized manner, allowing them to perform at their best,” he stated.
He sees himself as a vital link between the management and the players, emphasizing the importance of his role. “I act as a bridge between the corporate side and the players, which means I must take responsibility for the team’s performance. It’s essential to provide the best facilities and ensure players feel comfortable, minimizing stress before, during, and after tournaments,” Sreejesh elaborated.
Reflecting on the previous season's struggles, where both the men's and women's teams finished last, Sreejesh mentioned that the franchise has made significant improvements for the upcoming season. “We faced challenges last year, losing key players before the tournament began, which hindered our ability to find replacements. Although we started strong, we couldn’t finish as we had hoped,” he said.
This time, Sreejesh emphasized that better planning has been a priority. “We have approached this season with a clear strategy. We revamped the coaching staff, recruited new players, and communicated our expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities,” he noted.
On the topic of balancing youth and experience within the squad, Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team's composition. “We have a good mix of experienced and younger players, including four from the Junior World Cup squad. Even though Rupinder Pal Singh has retired, we still have seasoned players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Aditya Arjun Lalage,” he stated.
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.