Foreign coaches over Indians? PR Sreejesh hits out at Hockey India over removal as U21 head coach; HI refutes allegations

Sreejesh alleged he’s being removed to make for a foreign coach.

Former India captain PR Sreejesh has publicly slammed the Hockey India Federation for not renewing his contract as the head coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team despite his successful 16-month stint with the side.

Sreejesh, who was appointed to the role in August 2024, also let his frustration be known on the federation’s preference for a foreign coach.

However, Hockey India in a statement, has denied the allegation and stated that there is no such specific preference and that the federation is “collectively working towards the vision of our government to build a pathway towards 2036.”

In a strongly worded tweet on X, Sreejesh lashed out at the Federation, accusing it on ending his coaching career after just 1.5 years.

“I have heard about coaches getting fired after bad performances. But this is the first time I am experiencing being removed to make way for a foreign coach,” said Sreejesh in his post.

The 38-year-old was appointed coach of the Indian men’s U21 team almost immediately after announcing his retirement and led the side to five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze after a decade, in as many tournaments.

However, according to Sreejesh, “the Hockey India President stated that the chief coach of the senior men’s team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it will help develop Indian hockey from the junior level through to the senior level.

“Hence, the continued preference for foreign coaches — Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey? questioned the legendary Indian goalkeeper.

Related: Top five achievements of PR Sreejesh

Hockey India denies all allegations

According to Hockey India though no such terms has “ever been conveyed to him.”

The federation in its statement also revealed that Sreejesh’s tenure as the head coach of the U21 side “concluded as per contract in December 2025.”

Following this, “as per protocol the position was advertised and applicants were shortlisted and finalised as per a proper selection process basis merit.

“A coach with distinguished qualification has been selected as a result of this process and will be announced shortly.”

Further, the federation also added that while not being retained as the head coach of U21 team, Sreejesh was offered the “position of coach for the Development Team, which plays a critical role for LA 28 and the next Olympic cycle as well.

“This would have furthered his experience and exposure as a coach. However, he did not accept this position despite being asked to reconsider the decision.”

Meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Sreejesh also revealed that the Sports Minister had encouraged him to continue coaching and help the country build a strong team for the 2036 Olympics, which India are aiming to host.

However, the federation, added Sreejesh “continues to place its trust in foreign coaches over Indian ones across all four teams.”

The federation also added its bit and stated that unlike what Sreejesh said, “development of the grassroots and homegrown coaches has always been central to the interests of Hockey India as a national sports federation.

“Hockey India’s coaching pathway program has certified over 600 homegrown coaches so far and the program has had a nationwide impact.

“We have in fact aligned Indian coaches to our chief coaches in our training camps to enhance their exposure and skills further.

“Hockey India remains committed to the growth of Indian hockey and all our decisions are part of a concerted effort to achieve that.”