Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has announced that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious international career. The 36-year-old veteran, poised to become a four-time Olympian, played a pivotal role in India’s men’s hockey team clinching the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Sreejesh, who debuted for the Indian national hockey team in 2006, has amassed 328 appearances for his country. Reflecting on his 18-year tenure, Sreejesh expressed a deep sense of gratitude and pride.
“As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection,” Sreejesh said. “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.”
Recollecting his early struggles, Sreejesh shared a poignant memory: “I still remember my father selling our cow to buy my first kit. His sacrifice ignited a fire within me, pushing me to strive harder and dream bigger.”
In addition to the Tokyo 2020 bronze, Sreejesh boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including three Asian Games medals with two golds from Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2022. The latter victory also secured India’s qualification for Paris 2024.
“As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope,” Sreejesh remarked. “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support… Thank you for believing in me.”
Discussing his impending retirement with the team, Sreejesh revealed that his teammates have been a pillar of support throughout his career. “My teammates have stood beside me through the tough and arduous times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the color of our medal.”
Sreejesh’s distinguished career also includes two Commonwealth Games silver medals from Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022, and a crucial role in India’s third-place finish at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Sreejesh was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and became only the second Indian sportsperson to win the World Games Athlete of the Year award in 2021. He also secured back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year titles in 2021 and 2022.
As Sreejesh prepares for his final international tournament, the Indian hockey community and fans worldwide will be cheering for one of the game’s most celebrated goalkeepers, hoping he will conclude his career on a high note in Paris.
