~ PR Sreejesh, in his illustrious profession, has made integral contributions to revive the golden period of the game; as he hangs up his gloves, the hockey fraternity got here collectively in a particular celebration to honour the legend in a never-before ceremony hosted by Hockey India ~
New Delhi, 14th August 2024: Because the legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh introduced his retirement from Worldwide hockey, Hockey India on Wednesday hosted a grand celebration to honour the icon of the game, recognising him with the title of ‘God of Fashionable Indian Hockey’.
Hockey India introduced Sreejesh with a bouquet, memento and prize cash of Rs. 25 lakh for his contribution to Indian hockey. The apex physique additionally introduced to retire Sreejesh’s jersey no. 16 from the boys’s senior staff.
Sreejesh, who devoted 18 years of his life to Indian hockey, as soon as once more performed an instrumental function in India’s latest Bronze Medal victory on the Paris 2024 Olympics, simply as he did in Tokyo 2020. This achievement marked the staff’s second consecutive podium end after 52 years, additional extending the Indian Males’s Hockey Workforce’s file medal tally to 13 on the Summer time Olympic Video games.
In a heartfelt farewell felicitation of the stalwart goalkeeper, his relations, together with his spouse, youngsters, and fogeys, had been current for the event. The occasion was additionally attended by Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India Secretary Basic Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Govt Members of Hockey India, Indian Ladies’s Hockey Workforce Chief Coach Harendra Singh, and each present and former teammates of Sreejesh.
The celebration of Sreejesh’s illustrious worldwide hockey profession was additional highlighted by a particular efficiency from music producer and social media sensation Yashraj Mukhate, who created an anthem to spur the Indian Males’s Hockey Workforce’s marketing campaign on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Born on 8 Could 1988 in Kizhakkambalam village, Ernakulam district, Kerala, PR Sreejesh hails from a household of farmers. He started taking part in hockey on the age of 12 and made his debut with the Junior Workforce in 2004, adopted by his Senior Workforce debut in 2006. Through the years, Sreejesh turned a veteran of 4 Olympic Video games (2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024), 4 World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2023), three Asian Video games (2014, 2018, and 2022), and three Commonwealth Video games (2014, 2018, and 2022).
He has been instrumental in a number of memorable victories for India, together with two Olympic Bronze Medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), two Asian Video games Gold Medals (2014 and 2022), one Asian Video games Bronze Medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Video games Silver Medals (2014 and 2022). Moreover, he has performed a key function in India successful the Asian Champions Trophy 4 instances (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023).
From the Arjuna Award to the Main Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, World Video games Athlete of the Yr, and two-time winner of FIH Finest Goalkeeper of the Yr, Sreejesh has earned quite a few accolades all through his profession for his contributions to the game.
Elated by Hockey India’s gesture, an emotional PR Sreejesh, expressed, “It’s troublesome to place into phrases how grateful and honoured I really feel about this gesture from Hockey India. I’m extremely privileged and grateful for the nice and cozy reception I’ve acquired from everybody. Reaching this stage and experiencing this second wouldn’t have been potential with out the help of my household, the steering of my coaches, and the camaraderie of my teammates.”
“Eighteen years is a protracted journey. I’ve skilled all of the highs and lows, but it surely has formed me into the particular person I’m at this time. I’ve loved each minute of my time as a global participant, and can deeply miss my teammates, who’ve develop into a second household to me. Whereas life will definitely be completely different with out taking part in, I’m not stepping away from the game. I’ve plans for the longer term and am excited for this new chapter in my life. I’ll cherish today ceaselessly. Thanks a lot to everybody who has been part of this special day,” he added.
Manpreet Singh, who additionally featured in his fourth Olympic Video games for India alongside Sreejesh, mentioned, “Sreejesh has all the time been there for me, guiding me at numerous junctures like an elder brother would. From lows to highs, we now have been via all collectively and I’m absolutely going to overlook him. I’ve learnt a lot from him through the years, he’s actually a legend. I want him all the very best for the longer term.”
In the meantime, Indian Males’s Hockey Workforce Captain, Harmanpreet Singh mentioned, “Sreejesh has develop into an important a part of our lives. He has all the time guided us like an elder brother on and off the pitch. I’m so pleased that we may give him a fairytale farewell with the Olympic medal. As he hangs his gloves, I wish to want him all the very best for his future endeavours.”
Former India Captain, Sardar Singh added, “I’ve some very fond recollections of taking part in with Sreejesh, we began our worldwide careers across the identical time. His dedication to the game is admirable and his willingness to step up for the staff is one thing the youthful generations should be taught from and imbibe. As he begins a brand new chapter, I want him the very best and consider we should utilise his experience and immense information of the sport to raise India’s future performances.”
Talking on the event, President, Hockey India, Dr Dilip Tirkey mentioned, “This isn’t a farewell, however a celebration of all the pieces PR Sreejesh has achieved and contributed to Indian Hockey over the 18 years. For what Sreejesh has given to Indian hockey, he ought to absolutely be referred to as the ‘God of Fashionable Indian Hockey’. We at Hockey India wish to sincerely thank Sreejesh for his huge contribution to Indian hockey and we stay up for seeing him in a brand new avatar.”
Hockey India Secretary Basic Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “Sreejesh has develop into a cult determine amongst Indian sports activities followers. His distinctive goalkeeping abilities have impressed numerous younger folks to observe and take up hockey. Sreejesh has performed a pivotal function in bringing Indian hockey again to its rightful place among the many high groups on the planet. We at Hockey India wish to congratulate him on his superb profession with the Indian Workforce, and we want the perfect as he prepares to embark on a brand new mission in his private {and professional} life.”
The Indian Males’s Hockey Hockey Workforce Chief Coach Craig Fulton mentioned, “We actually love Sree. He was immense for us. I feel that is simply the least we may do for him. I wish to say simply have a good time your profession and we stay up for you wherever you go, nevertheless you evolve. We don’t wish to lose you and also you’re all the time welcome again everytime you wish to come again.”
The Indian Ladies’s Hockey Workforce Chief Coach Harendra Singh, who has additionally coached Sreejesh in his early days, mentioned, “I really feel so proud and emotional to see my Jangoo develop into a double Olympic medalist. All his onerous work and sacrifices through the years have paid off, and it’s great to see him log out as one of many greats of Indian hockey. I stay up for seeing him tackle the brand new function of Junior Coach, and my finest needs exit to you and your total household.”
