Veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh to retire after Paris Olympics

Renowned Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has announced that he will retire from the sport following the Paris Olympics, concluding an illustrious 18-year career.

The 36-year-old has been a key player for India, participating in 328 international matches, including three Olympics, multiple Commonwealth Games, and World Cups.

The upcoming Paris Olympics, set to begin on July 26, will mark his fourth and final appearance at the Games.

Reflecting on his career, Sreejesh expressed immense pride and gratitude in a statement released by Hockey India. "As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me," he said.

Sreejesh's career highlights include a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang, and being part of the winning teams at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy and the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals in Bhubaneswar. He also played a crucial role in India's silver medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh emphasized the significance of the Paris Olympics for the team and their desire to secure another medal in Sreejesh's final tournament. "Paris 2024 will indeed be a special tournament. We have decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend PR Sreejesh," Singh stated. "He has been an inspiration for all of us, and we want to 'Win it for Sreejesh' and are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again."

Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey have been widely recognized. He received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and was named World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021, only the second Indian sportsperson to achieve this honor. Additionally, he won consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022. Last year, he was instrumental in India's gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games, which secured the team's spot in the Paris Olympics.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh's exceptional career and his impact on Indian hockey. "Sreejesh is a very special player, and my heart fills with joy and gratitude for his exemplary contribution to Indian hockey. This outing in Paris will certainly be a special one for the team," Tirkey remarked.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also lauded Sreejesh, calling him a legend and an inspiration to the entire nation. "Hockey India respects his decision to retire after the Paris Olympic Games, making this a truly special tournament not just for the team but also for Indian hockey fans. I wish him and the team the best in their campaign," Singh said.

The Indian hockey team will kick off its Olympic campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. The team has been training in Switzerland in preparation for the Games.