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Delhi SG Pipers Congratulate PR Sreejesh on Prestigious FIH Goalkeeper of the Year AwardDelhi SG Pipers, the Hockey India League franchise backed by SG Sports, Media and Entertainment, has extended its heartfelt congratulations to its Director of Hockey and Team Mentor, PR Sreejesh, on winning the prestigious FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award at the FIH (Hockey) Stars Awards.Sreejesh, a double Olympic medalist, emerged victorious over a formidable field of contenders, including Pirmin Blaak of the Netherlands, Luis Calzado of Spain, Jean-Paul Danneberg of Germany, and Tomas Santiago of Argentina. This marks Sreejesh's third FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award, having previously won the honor back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.Throughout his illustrious 18-year career, Sreejesh has made 366 appearances for India, amassing an impressive collection of accolades. In addition to his two Olympic medals, he has won two gold and one bronze medal at the Asian Games, two Champions Trophy silvers, two Commonwealth Games silver medals, an Asia Cup silver, and four Asian Champions Trophy gold and silver medals, among others.Sreejesh's exceptional performances under the post played a pivotal role in India's bronze medal-winning feats at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. His ability to adapt and transform his game in response to evolving styles and strategies has solidified his status as one of the best goalkeepers in modern hockey.Delhi SG Pipers Head Coach Graham Reid praised Sreejesh's remarkable achievements, stating, "Sreejesh stands out as a true champion who transcends the game of hockey and the era in which he played. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have not only inspired his teammates but have also left an indelible mark on the sport itself."Sreejesh expressed his delight at receiving the award, saying, "This award is a recognition to all my achievements and is a crowning moment for me as a player. It is going to be an inspiration for the next generation, players who played alongside me and junior team goalkeepers who are now working with me. I hope this award can be an inspiration for them."Sreejesh's unwavering commitment to excellence serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes everywhere. His achievements will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Indian goalkeepers and leave a lasting legacy in the sport of hockey.

PR Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has been nominated for the prestigious FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2024. This recognition comes after his stellar performance at the recent Paris Olympics, where he played a pivotal role in India's bronze-medal winning campaign.Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after the Olympics, made crucial saves throughout the tournament, particularly during India's intense quarterfinal clash against Great Britain. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sreejesh's calm demeanor and critical saves in the penalty shootout helped India secure a 4-2 victory and a place in the semifinals."Every save I made in that tournament was not just about me; it was about the entire team and our country's support," said Sreejesh. "Being nominated for this award is a reflection of our collective spirit and the incredible journey we've had together."Sreejesh's nomination is a testament to his exceptional skill and resilience. Often referred to as the "Great Wall of Indian Hockey," he has been a cornerstone of the Indian team for over a decade. In his final international tournament, he displayed his unwavering determination and leadership, inspiring his teammates and reinforcing his status as one of the world's finest goalkeepers.Throughout his 18-year international career, Sreejesh has represented India in over 300 matches and at four Olympic Games. He has been adorned with multiple awards, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 and 2022, the Arjuna Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and the World Games Athlete of the Year."This nomination isn't just mine; it's for every individual who has supported me and Indian hockey over the years," said Sreejesh. "It's been an incredible ride, and I'm proud to have played my part in our team's success."Sreejesh's nomination is a fitting tribute to his illustrious career and his unwavering dedication to Indian hockey. It serves as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, demonstrating that hard work, passion, and teamwork can lead to extraordinary achievements.

PR Sreejesh's retirement from international hockey after the Paris Olympics has left a void in the Indian team's goalkeeping department. Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Sreejesh's deputy for the past three years, is the frontrunner to succeed him.Pathak, 27, has 125 caps and has shown maturity and temperament in several matches, including the Asian Games and World Cup. India's goalkeeping consultant, Dennis van de Pol, believes Pathak is ready to fill Sreejesh's shoes."Now is Pathak's time. He has already shown that he can be on Sreejesh's level," van de Pol said. "During the 2023 World Cup, it didn't matter whether we put Pathak or Sreejesh in the goal as both played equally well."However, Pathak has never been the No. 1 goalkeeper for India. He has always been Sreejesh's deputy, and his only appearances in the Olympics and other major tournaments have been as a standby."It was of course a hard time for him, going to two Olympics and not getting any medal when the team is winning medals," van de Pol said. "But he also knows now it is his time."With Pathak taking over as the No. 1 goalkeeper, the question is who will be his deputy. Van de Pol believes there are several talented young goalkeepers who could fill that role, including Suraj Karkera, Pawan Malik, and Mohit."Luckily, there are loads of guys who have proven themselves," van de Pol said. "We will see who takes the second spot, but that is all up to their form."The first test for Pathak and Co will come at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir City, China from September 8 to 17.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted retired Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh and his family at his residence on Independence Day. A heartwarming video of the meeting has gone viral on social media, showcasing the Prime Minister's genuine affection for the family.In the video, PM Modi engages in a playful conversation with Sreejesh's son, Sreeansh. Pointing towards his father, the Prime Minister asks, "Ye maarta hai (Does he hit you)?" Sreeansh's affirmative nod elicits laughter from everyone present. The Prime Minister then offers the child a sweet, further endearing himself to the family.Sreejesh, who played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal victory at the Paris Olympics, was accorded a grand welcome upon his arrival at the international airport in Kochi. The hockey star expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic reception, describing it as the "cherry on top of the cake."Reflecting on his future plans, Sreejesh revealed that he will spend the next 2-3 months preparing for his transition from player to coach. He acknowledged the challenges of this transition and emphasized the need for mental preparation.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that saw him establish himself as one of India's greatest goalkeepers. His contributions to the national team have been immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.

Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has expressed his sympathy for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was controversially disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics after weighing 100 grams over the permissible limit. Sreejesh believes that Phogat deserved a silver medal for her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final.Phogat's disqualification has sparked outrage in India, with many questioning the fairness of the decision. The wrestler has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for a joint silver medal, but the verdict is still pending. Sreejesh, who retired after winning a bronze medal at the Paris Games, said he was deeply affected by Phogat's situation."If I was in her situation, I don't know what I would have done," Sreejesh said. "She was strong, she deserved a medal. It was snatched from her."However, Sreejesh also emphasized the importance of adhering to Olympic rules. He cited the case of Amit Rohidas, who was banned for lifting his stick during the quarter-final against Great Britain, resulting in India playing with 10 men for 42 minutes."The rules are made to make the game beautiful, controlled," Sreejesh said. "Indian athletes should be ready for that. They shouldn't give any chance to the federation, the organizing committee, or the International Olympic Committee (IOC)."Sreejesh expressed his hope that Phogat's case would serve as a lesson for all Indian athletes. He urged them to be strict with rules and regulations to avoid similar situations in the future."I am keeping my fingers crossed for Vinesh," Sreejesh said. "I know what she has been through. Qualifying for the Olympics final is an answer for all. I really felt bad for her, it's a tough situation."

Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, has set his sights on becoming a coach and mentoring young players to create a robust feeder system for the national team. Inspired by former India head coach Rahul Dravid's coaching philosophy, Sreejesh aims to follow a similar path, starting with the juniors and gradually working his way up to the senior team.Sreejesh believes that by developing a strong foundation of talented players, he can contribute to the long-term success of Indian hockey. He plans to start with the junior teams, nurturing their skills and preparing them for the challenges of international competition. By the time the junior players reach the senior level, they will have a solid understanding of the game and be ready to make an impact.Sreejesh's coaching aspirations are driven by his desire to give back to the sport that has given him so much. He recognizes the importance of creating a pathway for young players to reach their full potential and represent India on the world stage. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to inspire and guide the next generation of hockey stars.Sreejesh's plan is ambitious but achievable. He has a proven track record of success as a player, having won numerous accolades at the national and international levels. His understanding of the game and his ability to motivate and inspire players make him an ideal candidate for a coaching role.If Sreejesh's coaching aspirations come to fruition, he could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian hockey. By creating a solid feeder system and developing talented players, he can help ensure that India remains a force to be reckoned with in the global hockey arena.

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has been bestowed the honor of being the second flag bearer for India at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, alongside shooting sensation Manu Bhaker. This decision, made by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), was a late one, with Neeraj Chopra initially designated for the role.However, when IOA president PT Usha informed Chopra of the change in plans, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist's response exemplified his humility and sportsmanship. Usha revealed that Chopra immediately accepted the decision, stating that he would have suggested Sreejesh's name himself if Usha had not asked."He told me 'Ma'am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai's name'," Usha said. "It is reflective of the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport."The decision to appoint Sreejesh as the second flag bearer was met with unanimous support within the IOA leadership. Usha praised Sreejesh's unwavering dedication to Indian hockey and sport in general, spanning over two decades."Sreejesh has served Indian hockey in particular and Indian sport in general admirably through more than two decades," Usha said. "He is both an emotional and popular choice within the IOA leadership to be the flagbearer at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony."Sreejesh's selection as flag bearer is a testament to his exceptional achievements and the respect he commands within the Indian sporting fraternity. His presence at the closing ceremony will serve as a fitting tribute to his illustrious career and the unwavering spirit of Indian athletes.

Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has bid farewell to his illustrious international career after helping India secure a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The iconic shot-stopper, who has been a cornerstone of the Indian team for nearly two decades, was recently spotted in a viral social media post standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, proudly displaying his hard-earned bronze medal.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. The 36-year-old has been a rock-solid presence in the Indian goal, playing a pivotal role in the team's success over the years. His agility, reflexes, and leadership have been instrumental in India's rise to prominence in the international hockey arena.Despite his retirement, Sreejesh remains optimistic about the future of Indian hockey. He believes that the country has an abundance of talent and that a suitable replacement for him will emerge in due time. "There won't be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure," Sreejesh said in an interview.Sreejesh's retirement has left a void in the Indian team, but he is confident that the younger generation of players will step up and fill his shoes. He has been offered a mentoring role in the Indian junior team set-up, where he hopes to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of hockey stars.Sreejesh's retirement is a bittersweet moment for Indian hockey. While the team will miss his presence on the field, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His unwavering dedication, passion, and love for the game have made him a true icon of Indian sport.

The Paris Olympics 2024 is drawing to a close, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of August 12. This grand event will mark the culmination of the Games, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the success of the host city.The closing ceremony will be a traditional affair, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. It will feature a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The ceremony will also include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.For India, the closing ceremony will be a moment of pride as our flag bearers, PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker, lead the Parade of Nations. Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, expressed his delight at being chosen as the flag-bearer, saying, "It is the cherry on the cake. I am going out with a medal, and now I have been chosen to be the flag-bearer. One cannot demand anything more than this."The closing ceremony will also witness the transfer of the Olympic flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, marking the transition to the next host city.