Sreejesh Questions Foreign Coach Preference in Indian Hockey

Former Indian goalkeeper and celebrated Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh has voiced concern over his dismissal as coach of the India men's junior hockey team, attributing it to a preference for foreign coaching staff by Hockey India. Sreejesh shared this revelation on social media, questioning the decision despite his successful tenure.

During his coaching period, Sreejesh led the team to podium finishes in all five tournaments they participated in, including a commendable bronze at the Junior World Cup in 2025. Sreejesh's sudden removal, despite these positive outcomes, led him to remark on the unprecedented experience of being replaced purely based on nationality, rather than performance.

He revealed information from Hockey India's president, suggesting the choice was influenced by senior men's team coach Craig Fulton's preference for a unified foreign coaching strategy to streamline development from junior to senior ranks. Sreejesh challenged this narrative, urging for confidence in Indian coaches while expressing hopes bolstered by support from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, despite ongoing prioritization of foreign coaches across teams.

(With inputs from agencies.)