Hockey icon PR Sreejesh has recently shared his reflections on retiring from professional hockey, following an illustrious career that reached its zenith with the Paris Olympics. In a heartfelt conversation with veteran cricketer R Ashwin on his YouTube show, Sreejesh delved into the emotions and thoughts that surrounded his decision to retire from the sport he has dedicated his life to.
Sreejesh, who has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey for the past two decades, admitted that the decision to retire was not an easy one. Initially, he had considered extending his career by another two years. However, as he prepared for the Olympics, he realized that the time had come to step away from the game. Despite being in excellent physical condition and maintaining top-notch performance levels, Sreejesh felt that retiring at that moment would allow him to end his career on a high note.
The conclusion of Sreejesh's career was marked by a momentous and fitting finale. He played a crucial role in securing India's second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, a remarkable achievement that had eluded the country for over five decades. Sreejesh's contribution was particularly noteworthy during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris 2024 Games, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. His decisive performance in the quarter-final shoot-out against Great Britain and his steadfast presence in the bronze medal match against Spain were pivotal to India's success.
The significance of Sreejesh's retirement was further underscored by his role as the flagbearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside shooter Manu Bhaker, Sreejesh carried the flag with pride, a symbolic gesture that honored his contributions to the sport. Upon returning to India, he was celebrated with a special felicitation ceremony by Hockey India, where his jersey number was retired—a gesture that commemorated his extraordinary impact on Indian hockey.
In his conversation with Ashwin, Sreejesh spoke about the profound meaning of the Olympics for any athlete. He described it as the pinnacle of a sportsperson's career, a platform that represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “The Olympics is everything for any sportsperson,” he said. “Every young athlete dreams of competing in the Olympics and winning a medal. For a hockey player, it's the ultimate goal.”
Sreejesh's decision to retire was driven by his desire to leave the sport with a sense of pride and accomplishment. “I wanted to go out with honor, having contributed my best to this country,” he explained. Although the decision to retire was difficult, especially given his strong form and performance, Sreejesh felt that stepping away after the Paris Olympics was the right choice.
Looking back, Sreejesh described his retirement as a "dream send-off," reflecting on the honor of winning a bronze medal and being recognized for his contributions to the sport. “It was the perfect end to my career,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell.”
Even after retiring as a player, Sreejesh's association with hockey continues. He has been appointed as the head coach of the junior national men’s team, where he will bring his wealth of experience and leadership to nurture the next generation of hockey talent in India.
