New Delhi [India], January 26 (ANI): Hockey India (HI) on Sunday prolonged its heartfelt congratulations to former Indian Men’s Hockey Team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on being conferred with the distinguished Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian award in India.
Interestingly, Sreejesh, revered because the ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey’ and at present serving because the Coach of the Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team, turns into solely the second hockey participant to obtain the Padma Bhushan after the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who was honoured with the award in 1956.
Sreejesh’s stellar profession, which spanned 18 years and noticed him signify India in 336 worldwide matches, got here to a detailed after the Paris Olympics 2024. In his closing look on the Olympics, Sreejesh’s distinctive goalkeeping helped India safe a Bronze, including to the historic Bronze medal received in Tokyo 2020.
His lengthy checklist of accolades contains being named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021. Sreejesh, who made his senior debut in 2010, was a cornerstone of the Indian staff’s resurgence on the worldwide stage, and his management and expertise have been essential throughout high-pressure moments in main tournaments.
Moreover, as a coach, Sreejesh guided India Colts to a Junior Asia Cup title win in November 2024.
Expressing his delight, Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey mentioned as quoted by Hockey India press launch, “It is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey community that PR Sreejesh has been recognised with the Padma Bhushan. His contribution to Indian hockey has been truly monumental, both as a player and now as a mentor to the next generation. His achievements have inspired countless young players, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honour.”Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “PR Sreejesh’s journey is one of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. His accolades on the field speak volumes about his commitment to the sport. Being only the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive the Padma Bhushan is a testament to his extraordinary career and his lasting impact on Indian hockey.”Meanwhile, upon receiving the Padma Bhushan, PR Sreejesh expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Padma Bhushan, and I would like to thank the Government of India for this recognition. Hockey has been my life for almost two decades, and every time I stepped onto the field, it was to give my best for the country. This award is a tribute to all the players, coaches, and support staff who have been a part of my journey. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Major Dhyan Chand, who remains an eternal source of inspiration for all of us.”Sreejesh’s illustrious profession as a participant contains participation in 4 Olympic Games–London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024–along with two Asian Games Gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games Bronze medal (2018), two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014 and 2022). Additionally, he has performed a key function in India profitable the Asian Champions Trophy 4 occasions (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). Sreejesh’s legacy because the ‘Great Wall of Indian Hockey’ will proceed to encourage future generations. (ANI)