 "Hockey India retires PR Sreejesh's No. 16 jersey; names him junior coach")
Hockey India have decided to retire the No. 16 jersey that PR Sreejesh wore in a two-decade career. The custodian retired from the sport after winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics . With that, he bowed out with consecutive medals at Olympics - something that has been achieved for the first time in 52 years.
Hockey India presented Sreejesh with a bouquet, memento and prize money of Rs. 25 lakh for his contribution to Indian hockey.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said going forward no senior team player will be given the No. 16 jersey although it will remain in circulation at the junior level.
He also announced that Sreejesh, 36, will take up the role of the junior national coach.
“Sreejesh is now going to be the junior team coach and we are retiring the No. 16 jersey for the senior team. We are not retiring No. 16 for the junior team,” said Singh at a felicitation function for the veteran and other members of the team.
🇮🇨🇴🇳🇮🇨 🇯🇪🇷🇸🇪🇾 🇳🇴 1️⃣6️⃣ 🇳🇴🇼 🇼🇮🇱🇱 🇳🇴🇼 🇧🇪 🇦 🇵🇦🇷🇹 🇴🇫 🇮🇳🇩🇮🇦🇳 🇭🇴🇨🇰🇪🇾 🇫🇴🇱🇰🇱🇴🇷🇪.
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 14, 2024
Hockey India has decided to retire the Jersey… pic.twitter.com/MCv4VtSnZe
“Sreejesh dusra Sreejesh ko paida karega in junior team (Sreejesh will groom someone like him in the junior team who will wear the No.16 jersey),” he added.
In a heartfelt farewell felicitation, his family members, including his wife, children, and parents, were present for the occasion. The event was also attended by Hockey India president Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Executive Members of Hockey India, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh, and both current and former teammates of Sreejesh.
The players, who were present at the ceremony, wore identical red jerseys with Sreejesh’s name on the back as a mark of respect for the veteran.
Elated by Hockey India’s gesture, an emotional PR Sreejesh, expressed, “It’s difficult to put into words how grateful and honoured I feel about this gesture from Hockey India. I am incredibly privileged and grateful for the warm reception I’ve received from everyone.
“Reaching this level and experiencing this moment would not have been possible without the support of my family, the guidance of my coaches, and the camaraderie of my teammates.”
“Eighteen years is a long journey. I’ve experienced all the highs and lows, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time as an international player, and will deeply miss my teammates, who have become a second family to me. While life will certainly be different without playing, I am not stepping away from the sport.
“I have plans for the future and am excited for this new chapter in my life. I will cherish this day forever. Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of this special occasion,” he added.
Manpreet Singh, who also featured in his fourth Olympic Games for India alongside Sreejesh, said, “Sreejesh has always been there for me, guiding me at various junctures like an elder brother would. From lows to highs, we have been through all together and I’m surely going to miss him. I’ve learnt so much from him over the years, he is truly a legend. I wish him all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain, Harmanpreet Singh said, “Sreejesh has become a crucial part of our lives. He has always guided us like an elder brother on and off the pitch. I’m so happy that we could give him a fairytale farewell with the Olympic medal. As he hangs his gloves, I would like to wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
Former India Captain, Sardar Singh added, “I have some very fond memories of playing with Sreejesh, we started our international careers around the same time. His commitment to the sport is admirable and his willingness to step up for the team is something the younger generations must learn from and imbibe. As he begins a new chapter, I wish him the best and believe we must utilise his expertise and immense knowledge of the game to elevate India’s future performances.”
The Indian Men’s Hockey Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “We really love Sree. He was immense for us. I think this is just the least we could do for him. I would like to say just celebrate your career and we look forward to you wherever you go, however you evolve. We don’t want to lose you and you’re always welcome back whenever you want to come back.”
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