Hockey India on Thursday, May 14, announced the appointment of Frederic Soyez as the coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team. The decision comes after PR Sreejesh unceremoniously quit the role on Wednesday, criticizing the federation for sacking him in favor of a foreign tactician.
The legendary goalkeeper has openly criticized Hockey India for continuing to favor overseas coaches after confirming that his role with the Indian junior hockey team was over. In a scathing statement shared on social media on May 13, Sreejesh hinted that he had been sidelined despite delivering good results during his tenure.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most promising domestic coaching candidates after his retirement from international hockey, Sreejesh expressed his disappointment at how his stint ended after just 18 months at the helm of the junior team.
WHO IS FREDERIC SOYEZ?
Soyez comes with a great reputation, having coached the national teams of France and Spain during his time as a coach. He coached Spain at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics before taking charge of France at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
During his time with Spain, Soyez led them to a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships while helping them to the quarter-finals at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.
Recognized for his ability to nurture emerging players, Soyez led France to a landmark silver medal at the 2013 FIH World Junior Championships in Delhi. He recently led the French U-18 team to second place at the 2025 European Championships.
In addition to his coaching duties, Soyez also served as High Executive Director of the French Hockey Federation from 2021 to 2024, playing a key role in shaping the nation’s elite athlete development and performance programs.
His extensive experience further includes participation in two editions of the FIH Men’s Ice Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023, along with six European Championships between 2013 and 2023.
WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THE SOYEZ APPOINTMENT
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said Soyez’s appointment comes on the back of a focus on immediate results and building a deep talent pool and coaching structure.
“Our focus is not just on immediate results, but also on building a deep talent pool and a coaching structure that remains aligned from junior to senior levels. By integrating Indian coaches and international experts at every national camp at all levels, we ensure continuity in coaching philosophy, player development and tactical understanding. This collaborative approach will also play an important role in creating high performance and empowering more confident Indian coaches.” Tirkey said in a statement.
HI claimed not sacked Sreejesh from his role and that his contract was over.
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Published on:
May 14, 2026 12:22 PM IST
