PR Sreejesh wishes to take inspiration from Rahul Dravid

PR Sreejesh, the celebrated former Indian hockey goalkeeper, is now setting his sights on a new challenge: coaching. Following in the footsteps of cricket legend Rahul Dravid, who transitioned from a revered player to a successful coach, Sreejesh aims to make a significant impact on Indian hockey. Having played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal triumphs at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Sreejesh is eager to channel his extensive experience into nurturing the next generation of hockey talent. Sreejesh’s vision is clear and methodical. He plans to build a robust coaching career by first acquiring formal coaching qualifications and gaining experience through various roles within the sport.

This includes working with junior teams, assisting in domestic leagues, and learning from established coaches to develop his own unique coaching philosophy. His approach will emphasize not only technical proficiency but also mental resilience, teamwork, and strategic acumen.

A central part of his strategy is identifying and developing young talent, leveraging his deep understanding of the game to mentor emerging players and prepare them for higher levels of competition. Sreejesh’s ultimate goal is to lead the Indian hockey team as its chief coach by the 2036 Olympics, guiding them to success on the global stage. His roadmap is ambitious, reflecting a deep commitment to the sport and a strategic plan to build a strong, competitive team for the future. Sreejesh's journey from player to coach is poised to inspire and shape the future of Indian hockey.

"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," Sreejesh said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Sreejesh’s vision for the future of Indian hockey is centered around establishing a strong feeder system to ensure a steady stream of elite talent for the national team. By focusing on developing young players and guiding them through the ranks, Sreejesh aims to create a pipeline that will sustain the team’s competitive edge for years to come. His approach underscores a commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots level, which he believes is crucial for building a formidable team capable of excelling on the global stage.

Starting in 2025, Sreejesh plans to immerse himself in coaching at the junior level. This initial phase involves honing his skills and implementing his developmental strategies. By 2028, his objective is to cultivate a pool of 20 to 40 promising young players, providing them with the skills, experience, and support needed to transition successfully from junior to senior levels. This structured development is designed to ensure a continuous influx of talent into the senior team, enhancing its depth and performance.

Looking further ahead, Sreejesh’s ultimate ambition is to assume the role of chief coach by 2032. This timeline reflects his methodical approach to building a solid foundation for the future of Indian hockey. His strategic plan aims to balance immediate development goals with long-term aspirations, positioning himself and his players for success at the highest levels of international competition. Through this carefully crafted roadmap, Sreejesh hopes to make a lasting impact on the sport and elevate Indian hockey to new heights.

"I start this year, next in 2025, we have the junior World Cup and in another two years, the senior team will be playing in 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 concluded.