New Delhi: Former Indian hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has reportedly withdrawn from the forthcoming Hockey India League (HIL) Player Auction, confirming his time as a player. The Indian stalwart is keen to focus on mentorship roles after retiring on a high note from international hockey in August.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics this year, Sreejesh announced that the marquee event would be his last hurrah with the national team. As always, he was razor-sharp in the goalpost as India claimed a successive bronze medal at the Olympics after edging past Spain 2-1 in a thrilling contest. After the whistle was blown, Sreejesh bowed before the goal post to mark his end of an illustrious 18-year-long career in men’s field hockey.
It was expected that Sreejesh would continue to play in the relaunched Hockey India League, which was last played in 2017.
According to a report by The Hindu, the 36-year-old veteran of more than 300 international caps decided to withdraw his name from the player auction of HIL after feeling overwhelmed by the retirement felicitations by Hockey India and teammates over the last couple of months.
“After much thought, I have decided to withdraw my name from the Player Auction for the upcoming Hockey India League,” Sreejesh wrote to Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, as reported by The Hindu.
“I was extremely touched by your gesture to host a retirement function for me after our return from Paris. Very few players have had the privilege to end their careers on such a high…The past month and a half has been humbling and satisfying in equal measure… I ended my playing career on a high by standing on top of the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games…”
“Bowing down to the goalpost after the win over Spain and celebrating with my teammates was special, and I want those memories to remain with me forever. Returning to the turf for ‘One Last Dance’ does not feel right now, and I fear it would tamper with those memories and special moments,” the letter further read.
What’s next for PR Sreejesh?
PR Sreejesh was part of Uttar Pradesh Wizards when the Hockey India League was last staged seven years ago. He is said to take up the mentorship role with one of the franchises in the HIL, though the official confirmation is awaited, as per The Hindu reports.
According to a report by The Telegraph, Sreejesh has been roped in as team director by the Delhi franchise (potentially Delhi Waveriders). If this particular development goes ahead then the Kerala-based hockey icon will reunite with former India hockey coach Graham Reid, who is said to be the chief coach of the Delhi team in the HIL.
PR Sreejesh played for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the last edition of Hockey India League played in 2017. The 36-year-old Indian goalkeeper called time on his illustrious international career after the Paris Olympics bronze in August. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
