New Delhi: In a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most iconic athletes, Hockey India has officially retired the No. 16 jersey worn by legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh. This decision comes shortly after Sreejesh announced his retirement, having played a crucial role in securing India’s second consecutive Olympic bronze at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Games.
At a ceremony held in his honor, Hockey India’s Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, announced the retirement of Sreejesh’s jersey number, marking the end of an era for Indian hockey. The 36-year-old Sreejesh, who has been a stalwart for the national team, has now transitioned to a new role as the coach for the junior national team, where he will be responsible for grooming the next generation of Indian goalkeepers.
“The No. 16 jersey will continue to be a symbol of excellence within the junior team, and Sreejesh will be instrumental in mentoring the next Sreejesh who will wear that jersey,” Singh stated during the event.
Sreejesh’s retirement follows a remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the Indian team showcased some of their best hockey in recent years. Their memorable 3-2 victory over Australia and a thrilling win against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, where Sreejesh’s heroics in a penalty shootout helped secure a 4-2 win, were among the highlights of the tournament.
In recognition of his contributions, Hockey India organized a special felicitation ceremony to honor Sreejesh on Wednesday. The event celebrated not only his illustrious career but also his enduring impact on Indian hockey, as he now embarks on a new journey to shape the future of the sport in India.