Rs 25 crore per month for that? PR Sreejesh pounces on Indian coach after Pro League debacle

PR Sreejesh, Indian men’s ice hockey team. (Photo/Agencies) Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has questioned the performance of the men’s team after they finished eighth in the FIH Pro League 2025–26 for the second consecutive season, saying that India must measure up against the world’s best rather than enjoy success in Asian tournaments.India ended their Pro League campaign with a 3-2 win over England after a goalless draw in London on Sunday. The result helped India finish eighth with 19 points from 16 matches after winning just four matches during the season. Only Pakistan finished below them in the nine-team table.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he is speaking out because he cares about Indian hockey.“I’m not against Indian hockey. I’m disappointed because I care. My hockey knowledge may be limited and that’s just my opinion. (Armchair coaches, you can skip this one.)”He pointed out that India have now finished eighth in the professional league in back-to-back seasons and rejected the argument that India were experimenting with players or tactics.“The last two seasons of the FIH Pro League have revealed the reality – we finished 8th. If it wasn’t for Ireland and Pakistan, the standings could look even worse. Don’t tell me we’re trying new players or using new strategies.”While acknowledging India’s recent titles in Asia, he said they should not be taken as a yardstick to judge the team’s progress.“Yes, we won the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. Congratulations to the team. But let’s be honest: these tournaments are no longer the yardstick for judging where Indian hockey is globally.”He also referred to the common perception that India is building towards the Asian Games as it serves as an Olympic qualifier.“Now the usual explanation will be: ‘We’re focusing on the Asian Games because it’s Olympic qualification.’ That’s understandable – but the Pro League table doesn’t lie. It showed exactly where we stand against the best in the world.”Sreejesh said that the gap between India and the rest of Asia is so clear that regional success alone should not satisfy the team.“Our junior team can beat Pakistan, it also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia. Winning the Asian tournaments is expected. The real challenge is to compete against the best teams in the world all the time.”He also questioned whether the investment in a foreign head coach is bringing the expected results.“So here’s the question: Do we spend €24,286 a month on a foreign head coach just to dominate Asian competitions? Or do we invest to become a real medal contender at the World Cup, professional league and Olympics?”“Being satisfied with regional success while competing against the world’s elite should not be the standard for Indian hockey. Supporting the team does not mean staying silent. Real fans ask tough questions because they want higher standards – not lower expectations,” Sreejesh said.