New Delhi: PR Sreejesh, the former goalkeeper of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and current coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Team, has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Hockey India expressed its pride and congratulations to Sreejesh for this prestigious recognition.
This distinguished honor places Sreejesh alongside the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, making him only the second hockey player in history to receive the Padma Bhushan. Dhyan Chand was awarded this honor in 1956, and nearly seven decades later, Sreejesh’s exceptional contributions to Indian hockey earn him a well-deserved place among the sport’s greatest figures.
Often referred to as the “God of Modern Indian Hockey,” Sreejesh enjoyed a remarkable 18-year international career, earning 336 caps for India. He bid farewell to professional hockey after the Paris 2024 Olympics, capping off his career with a stunning series of performances that helped India clinch a Bronze medal, following their historic Bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sreejesh garnered numerous accolades, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award three times (2021, 2022, and 2024), the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021. He made his senior international debut in 2010 and became the backbone of India’s defense, renowned for his poise and exceptional performances under pressure.
Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Sreejesh led the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team to a memorable Junior Asia Cup victory in November 2024, continuing to build upon his legacy in Indian hockey. His impressive resume includes appearances at four Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games Bronze (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014 and 2022). Sreejesh also played a key role in India’s triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy four times (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023).
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey reflected on Sreejesh’s impact, stating, “PR Sreejesh’s contribution to Indian hockey, both as a player and now as a coach, has been exceptional. His dedication, excellence, and leadership have been an inspiration to countless young players across India. The Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh echoed these sentiments, saying, “Sreejesh has been the driving force behind Indian hockey’s resurgence on the global stage. His achievements are not only personal milestones but also a source of immense pride for the entire hockey fraternity. We are extremely proud of his journey and look forward to seeing him continue to shape the future of Indian hockey through his coaching.”
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