Emotional Farewell: Hockey India Honors Legendary Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh by Retiring His Iconic No. 16 Jersey
Hockey India Honors P R Sreejesh by Retiring His Jersey Number
Hockey India announced on Wednesday the retirement of jersey number 16 at the senior level in honor of legendary goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, following his retirement from the sport. Sreejesh, who played a pivotal role in securing India’s consecutive Olympic bronze, will now transition to coaching the junior national team.
Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary-General of Hockey India, confirmed that while the No. 16 jersey will no longer be assigned to senior players, it will continue to be used at the junior level. He emphasized Sreejesh’s significant contributions to Indian hockey, citing him as the "God of Modern Indian Hockey." Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey echoed this sentiment, lauding Sreejesh’s impact on the sport.
Singh officially announced that the 36-year-old Sreejesh, with a near two-decade-long career, will groom young talent as the junior national team coach. Singh humorously noted, "Sreejesh will groom another Sreejesh in the junior team who will wear the No.16 jersey."
The ceremony saw team members donning identical red jerseys bearing Sreejesh’s name as a tribute. Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, a dual Olympic bronze medalist, was among the attendees, underscoring the event’s significance.
Expressing his gratitude, Sreejesh reflected on his 18-year journey: “Eighteen years is a long journey. I’ve experienced all the highs and lows, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time as an international player, and will deeply miss my teammates, who have become a second family to me."
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh praised Sreejesh, calling his farewell a "fairytale." He emphasized the veteran goalkeeper’s mentorship, describing him as an elder brother to the team.
In closing, Tirkey reiterated that the occasion was not just a farewell but a celebration of Sreejesh’s extensive contributions to Indian hockey, further solidifying his status as the sport’s modern-day deity.
Original Story https://sports.ndtv.com/hockey/hockey-india-honours-goalkepeer-pr-sreejesh-retires-his-no-16-jersey-6334322
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