HI retires Sreejesh’s No. 16 jersey, names him junior coach
New Delhi, August 14
Hockey India today decided to retire the jersey number of goalkeeping stalwart PR Sreejesh at the senior level after he bid adieu to the game following his starring role in the country’s second consecutive Olympics bronze at the just-concluded Paris Games.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said going forward no senior team player will be given the No. 16 jersey although it will remain in circulation at the junior level.
While lauding the veteran’s contribution to the game, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said Sreejesh has earned the right to be considered the “God of Modern Indian Hockey”.
Singh also formally announced that the affable 36-year-old, who competed for nearly two decades, will take up the role of the junior national coach.
“Sreejesh is now going to be the junior team coach and we are retiring the No. 16 jersey for the senior team. We are not retiring No. 16 for the junior team,” said Singh at a felicitation function for the veteran and other members of the team.
The players, who were present at the ceremony, wore identical red jerseys with Sreejesh’s name on the back as a mark of respect for the Kerala man.
Also in attendance was pistol shooter Manu Bhaker.
“It’s difficult to put into words how grateful and honoured I feel about this gesture from Hockey India,” Sreejesh said. “Eighteen years is a long journey. I’ve 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, and will deeply miss my teammates, who have become a second family to me,” he added.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh said the team is proud to have given Sreejesh a “fairytale farewell.” — PTI
