PR Sreejesh aims to follow Rahul Dravid-model for Hockey India, reveals his coaching aspirations

PR Sreejesh played 336 hockey games for India from 2006-2024.

India’s 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said that he wants to follow in the footsteps of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid. Sreejesh retired from international hockey after India defeated Spain in the Bronze medal match.

Sreejesh finished his career with back-to-back Olympic medals, having won bronze three years ago in Tokyo.

After retiring, Sreejesh plans to begin his coaching career by taking command of the Indian youth squad. Sreejesh envisions a role in which he can help establish a strong feeder system for the national hockey team, similar to what Dravid accomplished in Indian cricket.

Sreejesh hopes to cultivate future Indian hockey stars by working closely with the country’s youth and rising talent, ensuring a steady supply of top-tier players for the senior team.

“I want to become a coach. That was always my plan but now there is a question of when. After retirement, family comes first. I need to talk with them if they are OK with this. Now you have to listen to your wife a little bit.

The way I wanted is start with the juniors, and Rahul Dravid is an example. It’s like you develop a bunch of players, get them into the senior team, and let them follow you,” Sreejesh told PTI.

Rahul Dravid was head of the NCA and coached the U19 sides before becoming head coach of the Indian team from 2021-2024. India won the T20 World Cup 2024 under his guidance and are the No.1 ranked team in Tests and T20Is, while ranked 2nd in ODIs.

“I start this year”- PR Sreejesh on his coaching career

Sreejesh wants to start at the grassroots level and work his way up to the role of main national coach by the time the 2032 Brisbane Olympics arrive.

The former goalie feels that by investing in the development of youthful talent, India can create a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level for many years to come.

“I start this year, next in 2025, we have the junior World Cup and in another two years, the senior team will be playing the World Cup. So maybe, by 2028, I can produce 20 or 40 players and by 2029, I can have 15-20 players into the senior team, and by 2030 almost like 30-35 players in the senior side.

And 2032, I will be ready for the chief coach’s position. If India gets to host the 2036 Olympic Games, I want to be the India coach,” Sreejesh said.

PR Sreejesh played 336 games for India since making his debut in 2006 and retiring in 2024.

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