"It's Like Missing My Life" - PR Sreejesh On His Retirement From The Indian Men's Hockey Team

The Indian Hockey Team landed in India to a spectacular reception from fans following their bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory marks their second consecutive bronze heist at the Olympic Games. The team triumphed over Belgium, Australia, and finally Spain to claim the bronze medal. Leading India’s exploits in Paris was team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who, along with team captain Harmanpreet Singh, played a crucial role in India’s success at the 2024 Olympics. Upon his win at the Olympics, Sreejesh opened up about his departure from the team and what lies ahead for the extraordinary player.

Indian Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh Opens Up On His Retirement

PR Sreejesh had announced his retirement from the game before heading to the Paris Olympics, marking the 2024 Olympics as his last campaign with the Indian team. The 36-year-old player viewed the Paris Olympics as a significant chapter in his career. In turn, Sreejesh gave it his all this season, leading India’s quarter-final win against Great Britain. His impenetrable defense of the Indian goalpost helped the 10-member team secure a 4-2 victory against Britain in the penalty shootout. The "wall" of the Indian team eventually claimed the bronze medal alongside his teammates, a testament to his brilliance on the field.

Speaking about his exit from the team, Sreejesh assured that the Indian side would surely find someone to fill his position, dismissing concerns of a void being left by his absence.

PR SREEJESH said "Sachin Tendulkar was there & now there is Virat Kohli and someone will take his place tomorrow - so, Sreejesh was there yesterday but someone else will come & take his place tomorrow - all the sports are like that". [PTI] pic.twitter.com/O2hWcHU7Me

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 11, 2024

"There won't be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure. All sports are like that. Sachin Tendulkar was there, and now there is Virat Kohli, and someone will take his place tomorrow. So, Sreejesh was there yesterday, but someone else will come and take his place tomorrow," Sreejesh said.

However, the goalkeeper also mentioned that he will need to figure out his next steps, as hockey has been his entire life until now. Sreejesh expressed how training and the team had occupied all the space in his life, and now that he has retired, it will take time for him to find a new rhythm.

"It's like missing my life. I don't know anything other than hockey. From the first day I went to the camp in 2002 until now, I've been with them," Sreejesh stated. "I don't know what all I will miss; maybe when I'm home, I will figure it out. In the morning, I'm out with them—training, gym, and on the field, there's always a fun atmosphere. Pep talks, team meetings, you have to shout at them, even abuse them," he added. "The celebration days after a win or crying together after a loss—it's been my life. Maybe, we don't know what it's like to be outside," said Sreejesh.

One thing is certain for Sreejesh: he won’t be leaving the sport entirely anytime soon. The seasoned player has already been offered a coaching position within the junior team setup. Sreejesh is set to take on the role of head coach for the Junior Indian Hockey Team following the conclusion of his cherished tenure as the goalkeeper for the senior Indian Men’s Hockey Team.