Hockey India has announced they will retire jersey No. 16 in honour of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who called time on his illustrious career following the Indian team’s bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Hockey India organised a farewell ceremony last week to honour Sreejesh and celebrate the achievements of the two-time Olympic bronze medallist in New Delhi.
Several former and current players of the Indian men’s hockey team and Sreejesh’s family members were present at the event. As a mark of respect, the players donned identical red jerseys with Sreejesh’s name and number on the back.
Overwhelmed by the occasion, an emotional Sreejesh reflected on his time with the Indian hockey team. “Eighteen years is a long journey. I have experienced all the highs and lows but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time as an international player.”
The ceremony was also attended by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who announced that Sreejesh would now take up the role of junior national coach.
Sreejesh said: “While life will certainly be different without playing, I am not stepping away from the sport. I have plans for the future and am excited for this new chapter in my life.”
Sreejesh is a veteran of four Olympic Games, playing all editions since London 2012. Along with two Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, he also won two Asian Games gold medals (Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2022) and one Asian Games bronze medal (Jakarta 2018) and two Commonwealth Games silver medals.
He also won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2021 and 2022.
by Asia Hockey
