NEW DELHI: Indian hockey icon PR Sreejesh has publicly questioned Hockey India over its continued preference for foreign coaches after revealing that his stint as coach of the junior men’s side has come to an abrupt end.In a strongly-worded social media post, Sreejesh claimed he was removed despite guiding the team to success in every tournament under his watch, and suggested that the decision was made to bring in a foreign coach instead.The former goalkeeper, widely considered one of India’s brightest long-term coaching prospects after retirement, said the development had left him stunned.“It seems like my coaching career comes to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played five tournaments and secured five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal,” Sreejesh wrote.
‘Removed despite results’Under Sreejesh, the Indian junior men’s team won the Men’s Junior Asia Cup gold medal, secured bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup and also finished with bronze at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup. Across five tournaments, the side finished on the podium each time.Sreejesh pointed out that he had heard of coaches losing jobs after poor results, but said his case was entirely different.“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,” he said.Questions for Hockey IndiaSreejesh revealed the explanation he was allegedly given by the federation. According to him, the decision was linked to the preference of the senior men’s coaching setup.“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,” he wrote.That prompted his pointed question: “Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?”Contrast with minister’s messageSreejesh also revealed that he had received encouragement earlier this year from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to take on larger responsibilities in India’s build-up to the 2036 Summer Olympics.“On 07-03-2026, during a meeting with the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, ‘Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to step up and lead our country as we prepare for 2036,’” he said.He contrasted that backing with what he described as the federation’s current approach.“However, Hockey India continues to place its trust in foreign coaches over Indian ones across all four teams,” he concluded.
