Former Indian hockey star PR Sreejesh is trading in his goalie pads for a coach’s clipboard, and he’s got his sights set on leading the national team to World Cup glory. Sreejesh, who retired from playing after winning an Olympic medal, has taken the reins of India’s junior men’s team, with the ultimate goal of coaching the senior squad.
Just two days into his new role, Sreejesh was already putting his team through its paces, overseeing a friendly match against a team of senior players and fringe national team members. Despite a fourth-quarter collapse, Sreejesh was undeterred, emphasizing the importance of playing a full 60 minutes.
As he navigates his new role, Sreejesh is focused on developing his coaching style, which he says will prioritize modern hockey tactics. He’s been studying the methods of Australian coach Ric Charlesworth, and is committed to creating a team that can seamlessly transition into the senior squad.
Sreejesh’s approach will be centered around open communication with his players, giving them the freedom to express themselves on the pitch while maintaining a strong team structure. He’s set ambitious goals for his young charges, aiming to have them compete in either the 2028 or 2032 Olympics.
With two major tournaments on the horizon – the Sultan of Johor Cup and the Junior Asia Cup – Sreejesh is wasting no time in putting his stamp on the team. As he embarks on this new chapter in his hockey career, Sreejesh is poised to make a lasting impact on Indian hockey, both on and off the pitch.
Leave a Reply