PR Sreejesh accuses Hockey India of removing him to make way for foreign coach

PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India after revealing that his tenure with the Indian junior men’s hockey team has come to an end.

In a strongly-worded statement shared on social media on May 13, the Indian hockey legend claimed he was removed despite delivering strong results, alleging that the federation preferred appointing a foreign coach instead.

Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest hockey players, Sreejesh said he was disappointed by the manner in which his coaching stint ended after only one and a half years in charge of the junior setup.

“It seems like my coaching career comes to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played five tournaments and secured five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal,” Sreejesh wrote.

The former India goalkeeper then alleged that he had effectively been sidelined to accommodate a foreign appointment — something he said was unprecedented in his experience.

“I have heard about coaches getting fired after bad performances. But this is the first time I am experiencing being removed to make way for a foreign coach,” he added.

Sreejesh further claimed that the decision was influenced by the preferences of the current senior men’s team management.

“The Hockey India President stated that the chief coach of the senior men’s team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it will help develop Indian hockey from the junior level through to the senior level,” he said.

The remarks have reignited debate within Indian hockey over the continued dependence on overseas coaches, especially given Sreejesh’s stature and achievements both as a player and coach.

During his short spell with the junior men’s side, Sreejesh guided India to podium finishes in all five tournaments they played, including a gold medal at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup and bronze at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup.

Sreejesh questions preference for foreign coaches

The sharpest criticism in Sreejesh’s statement came when he openly questioned why Indian hockey continues to prioritise foreign coaches despite the presence of accomplished former players capable of leading national teams.

“Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?” Sreejesh asked directly.

He also revealed that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had personally encouraged him earlier this year to take on bigger coaching responsibilities as India prepares for the 2036 Olympic cycle.

“On 07-03-2026, during a meeting with the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, ‘Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country as we prepare for 2036,’” he wrote.

However, Sreejesh contrasted that support with what he described as Hockey India’s ongoing preference for overseas appointments.

“However, Hockey India continues to place its trust in foreign coaches over Indian ones across all four teams,” he added.

The controversy has intensified discussions around whether former Indian stars are receiving enough opportunities within the national coaching structure.

Beyond the medals and results, Sreejesh had earned praise for his connection with younger players and his understanding of modern international hockey, having only recently retired from elite competition himself.

A key figure in India’s resurgence on the world stage over the last decade, Sreejesh played a central role in multiple Olympic medal-winning campaigns and several landmark international successes. His transition into coaching had been viewed by many as an important step toward building a stronger Indian coaching pathway for the future.