HI defended their selection criteria and added that the former star goalie was extended a role as coach for the development team, but he declined it.
Indian Hockey Legend PR Sreejesh. (X)
Hockey India clarified their exit of celebrated former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh from his role as the head coach of the young national unit, after the legend suggested that he was removed to make way for an overseas coach.
HI clarified their selection criteria purely based on merit and that the former star goalie was extended a role as coach for the development team, but he declined it.
“Hockey India would like to officially state that the coaching term for P.R. Sreejesh was officially concluded as per contract in December 2025. After this, as per protocol the position was advertised and applicants were shortlisted and finalised as per a proper selection process basis merit,” the governing body said in a statement.
“A coach with distinguished qualification has been selected as a result of this process and will be announced shortly.”
“We have in no terms “fired” Sreejesh and in fact had offered him the position of Coach for the Development team which plays a critical role for LA 28 and the next olympic cycle as well. This would have furthered his experience and exposure as a coach. However, he did not accept this position despite being asked to reconsider the decision.”
“In no terms has it ever been conveyed to him that there has been any preference for a foreign coach by the chief coach. We are collectively working towards the vision of our government to build a pathway towards 2036 and a big part of that process is to develop our Indian coaching talent,” the statement continued.
“Development of the grassroots and homegrown coaches has always been central to the interests of Hockey India as a national sports federation. Hockey India’s coaching pathway program has certified over 600 homegrown coaches so far and the program has had a nationwide impact.”
“We have in fact aligned Indian coaches to our chief coaches in our training camps to enhance their exposure and skills further. Hockey India remains committed to the growth of Indian hockey and all our decisions are part of a concerted effort to achieve that.”
“We continue to value P.R. Sreejesh as a legend of the sport and look forward to his future success,” HI’s statement concluded.
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