Indian Legend PR Sreejesh Removed From Coaching Role To Make Way For Foreign Coach?

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 17:38 IST

Sreejesh, who led India to back-to-back Olympic medals during his playing days, deplored the governing body's trust in foreign coaches over homegrown one.

Legendar Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed his disappointment following his removal as the coach of the young Indian unit, in order to make way for an overseas coach.

The 38-year-old former goalie, who helped the young national outfit to a bronze medal in the Junior World Cup was disappointed by the treatment extended to him despite his success with the fledgling unit.

Sreejesh, who led India to back-to-back Olympic medals during his playing days, deplored the governing body’s trust in foreign coaches over homegrown one.

“It’s seems like My coaching career comes to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played 5 tournaments and secured 5 podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal," the legendary goalie added.

“I have heard about coaches getting fired after bad performances. But this is the first time I am experiencing being removed to make way for a foreign coach."

“The Hockey India President stated that the chief coach of the senior men’s team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it will help develop Indian hockey from the junior level through to the senior level. Hence, the continued preference for foreign coaches."

“Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?"

“On 07-03-2026, during a meeting with the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, “Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country as we prepare for 2036."

“However, Hockey India continues to place its trust in foreign coaches over Indian ones across all four teams," he concluded.

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