PR Sreejesh has raised serious questions about the functioning of Hockey India after his controversial exit from the men’s junior team setup. The former India wicketkeeper criticized the lack of clarity on the development team proposed by the federation, saying there was no defined structure, player pool or tournament schedule.
Earlier, the Indian legend banged Hockey India’s growing dependence on foreign coaches and claimed he was removed despite performing well during his 18-month tenure.
In another post on social media, Sreejesh also questioned whether being offered the role of goalkeeper-coach after leading the junior side to a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup should be seen as a promotion or a demotion. His remarks sparked a new debate about the federation’s long-term vision and coaching policy.
“When the president of Hockey India offered me a ‘development team’, I asked a few simple questions: Do we really have a development team? Who are the players in this development group? What is the structure of the program? What camps are approved for them? What tournaments are they preparing for?” written by Sreejesh.
“There were no answers to any of those questions. And coaching goalies after winning a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships as a head coach made me a goalie coach again, is that considered a promotion or a demotion?”
‘I’M LUCKY TO HAVE AN INDIAN COACH’
Sreejesh expressed concern over the growing reliance on foreign coaches in Indian hockey and questioned the lack of opportunities for former stars like Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal despite their contribution to the sport.
“4 teams. 6 foreign coaches. 3 foreign strength and conditioning coaches. 1 foreign video analyst. 2 foreign goalie coaches (visiting). 1 foreign sports psychologist (visiting). Fortunately, we have at least 1 Indian coach in each team (according to the Indian Hockey app). The junior team is already filled. Maybe now is the time for U18,” wrote Sreejesh.
“Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal are doing a great job but maybe the President feels they are still not ‘experienced enough’ or ‘qualified enough’ to coach Indian teams. So can we expect more foreign coaches there too?” added Sreejesh.
HOCKEY INDIA DENIES SREEJESH’S CLAIMS
Hockey India rejected claims that Sreejesh was unfairly sidelinedstressing that the development of Indian coaches remains a key priority. The federation insisted that Sreejesh was neither removed nor replaced due to a preference for a foreign coach, instead claiming that his contract had expired and that he had refused the alternative role of development coach offered.
Hockey India also said its coaching pathway program has certified more than 600 domestic coaches, adding that Indian coaches regularly work with foreign coaches during national camps to improve their exposure and skills.
HOW DID SREEJESH PERFORM AS A COACH?
Sreejesh enjoyed a very successful stint as India’s junior hockey coach despite only being in charge for one and a half years. Under his leadership, the team finished on the podium in all five tournaments played. India won gold at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup and secured bronze medals at both the Sultan of Johor Cup and the FIH Junior Men ́s World Cup.
Sreejesh has also earned praise for his strong bond with the young players and for bringing fresh international knowledge to the set-up soon after retiring from elite hockey. His calm leadership and modern approach quickly made him one of India’s most promising young coaches.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
14 May 2026 22:41 IST
