NEW DELHI: Indian hockey icon PR Sreejesh has publicly questioned Hockey India over its continued preference for foreign coaches after revealing that his stint as coach of the junior team has come to an abrupt end.In a strongly worded post on social media, Sreejesh claimed that he was removed despite leading the team to success in every tournament under his watch and suggested that the decision was made to bring in a foreign coach instead.READ ALSO: ‘We didn’t sack PR Sreejesh’: Hockey India reacts after legend’s explosive chargesWidely regarded as one of India’s brightest long-term coaching prospects after retirement, the former wicketkeeper said he was stunned by the development.“Looks like my coaching career is coming to an end after 1.5 years in which we have played five tournaments and secured five podium finishes including a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship,” wrote Sreejesh.
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Along with NBA Legends, eight base cities of the IBL have been announced‘Removed despite results’Under Sreejesh, the Indian men’s junior team won a gold medal at the Asian Junior Men’s Cup, secured a bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup and also finished with a bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup. In five tournaments, the side finished on the podium each time.Sreejesh pointed out that he had heard of coaches losing their jobs after poor results, but said his case was completely different.“I have heard of coaches being sacked after poor performances. But this is the first time I have been sacked to make way for a foreign coach,” he said.Questions for Hockey IndiaSreejesh revealed the explanation allegedly given to him by the federation. According to him, the decision was related to the preference of the coaching setup of older men.“The President of Hockey India has stated that the head coach of the senior team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team and believes that this will help the development of Indian hockey from the junior level to the senior level,” he wrote.This prompted his pointed question: “Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?”Contrast with the minister’s messageSreejesh also revealed that he received support from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviy earlier this year to take more responsibility for India’s preparations for the 2036 Summer Olympics.“On 03/07/2026, during a meeting with Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, ‘Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country in preparation for 2036,'” he said.He contrasted this support with what he described as the federation’s current approach.“However, Hockey India continues to trust foreign coaches over Indian coaches in all four teams,” he concluded.
