New Delhi
PR Sreejesh, former goalkeeper of modern Indian hockey wall, was awarded the country’s third largest civilian award, the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Former India goalkeeper Sreejesh, working as the coach of the current Indian men’s junior hockey team, has become the second hockey player to receive Padma Bhushan after the Great Major Dhyanchand. Major Dhyanchand was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the year 1956. Hockey India has congratulated Sreejesh for his achievement.
Sreejesh represented India in 336 international matches in his 18 -year brilliant career. He was an important member of the Indian team in London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Apart from this, he participated in the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games gold medalist, Bronze medalist in the 2018 Asian Games, the silver medalist at the Commonwealth Games of 2014 and 2022 participated in the Indian team. He has played a key role in winning India four times the Asian Champions Trophy (2011, 2016, 2018 and 2023).
This unbreakable wall of Indian hockey retired from his career after playing an important role in winning a bronze medal to India in the Paris Olympics 2024. Sreejesh was awarded the FIH goalkeeper of the year in 2021, 2022 and 2024, Arjuna Award in 2015, Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021. In addition, as a coach, Sreejesh guided the Indian team to win the Junior Asia Cup title in November 2024. On the achievement of Sreejesh, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, said, ‘It is a very proud moment for the entire hockey community that PR Sreejesh has been awarded the Padma Bhushan. His contribution to Indian hockey is truly very big. His achievements have inspired countless young players, and we are thrilled to see him receiving this worthy honor.
Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh said, ‘PR Sreejesh’s visit is one of dedication, perseverance and excellence. His praise on the field is his commitment to the game. Being a second hockey player to receive Padma Bhushan after Major Dhyanchand is a proof of his extraordinary career and his permanent impact on Indian hockey.
On receiving Padma Bhushan, PR Sreejesh expressed gratitude and said, ‘I feel very honored after getting Padma Bhushan and I want to thank the Government of India for this. Hockey has been my life for almost two decades and whenever I stepped on the field, gave my best for the country. The award is dedicated to all the players, coaches and associate staff who have been part of my journey. I am grateful to follow the footsteps of Major Dhyanchand, who remain an eternal source of inspiration for all of us.
