18 years of an international career, and what could be a happier ending than winning a medal at the Olympics in your last game. PR Sreejesh has become one of the biggest names in Indian hockey, and he finally received a fitting farewell with the Indian hockey team winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. This is the second Olympic medal Sreejesh has won. Sreejesh had already announced his retirement from hockey before the Paris Olympics, stating that it would be his last tournament.
After the bronze medal win, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harpanpreet Singh said, “PR Sreejesh is an Inspiration for all of us. His journey and his career is amazing and very inspiring. We dedicate this Medal to him.”
Sreejesh has come a long way to reach this point and make his name. A Malayali who entered the North Indian-dominated sport, he has become one of the best goalkeepers in Indian hockey history. The legend has finally dropped his hockey stick as he says goodbye to the game.
Career and Success
PR Sreejesh hails from a small town in Kerala called Kizakkambalam, near Kochi. He started as a sprinter but was later selected for the hockey team at school, eventually becoming a hockey player.
He played at the state level and, in 2004, made his national debut for the junior team. His performance earned him a place in the senior men’s national team in 2006.
PR Sreejesh’s medal history
Along with two Olympic medals, Sreejesh has five medals in the Asian Champions Trophy, two medals in the Champions Trophy, and three medals at the Asian Games, including two golds and one bronze.
The Keralite goalkeeper also won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and one bronze medal at the World League.
