Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh has long been more than just a goalkeeper — he has been the beating heart of Indian hockey. His match-winning saves have become part of sporting folklore, and fittingly, he chose the grandest stage of all to bid farewell.
Moments before India’s bronze medal clash against Spain at the Paris Olympics in August 2024, Sreejesh announced his retirement from international hockey. It was a parting worthy of a legend: India defeated Spain 2-1 to clinch their second consecutive Olympic bronze, following the breakthrough triumph in Tokyo 2021.
A talismanic figure, Sreejesh played pivotal roles in both those Olympic campaigns. His accolades are as vast as his impact — Best Male Goalkeeper at the FIH Awards in 2020, 2022, and 2024, gold medals at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, bronze at the 2018 edition, and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022.
Barely had the cheers faded before Sreejesh embarked on a new chapter. Within days of retiring, he was appointed head coach of India’s men’s U-21 team. Additionally, he became Director of Hockey for the Delhi SG Pipers in the revamped Hockey India League — a dual role combining mentorship, administration, and strategic oversight.
For me, it’s a challenge. This is a new career professionally. As a player, I was following what different coaches were telling me to do, but now I’m putting together all the experience those coaches gave me. I’ll be sharing that — getting the players mentally and physically ready for all challenges.
Reflecting on his playing days, he added, “I have seen the highs and lows. Now I just want to help India take up that challenge with everything I have learned.”
The immediate test of his coaching credentials will come later this year when India hosts the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup across Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December 2025.
Switching from player to coach hasn’t been entirely seamless. “I was preparing for this, but it is challenging. In Paris, I was still in a player’s mindset — thinking like someone on the field. Shifting to a coach’s mentality isn’t easy, especially when you come from playing at the highest level and expect others not to make mistakes.”
His role with the Delhi SG Pipers has been no less demanding — though in very different ways.
As Director, it’s a completely different challenge. I have to sit with coaches, discuss plans, monitor budgets, work out schedules, be the bridge between the team and the franchise. Player management is a challenge in itself.
The Delhi SG Pipers, owned by tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi’s SG Sports, endured a tough start in the HIL’s comeback season. The men’s team finished last in 8th place, while the women’s side ended 4th. Despite the setbacks, Sreejesh remains optimistic.
“I have to focus on how to push the teams, how to support and motivate them for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Logistical hurdles haven’t helped. “Getting players is a big issue,” he admitted. “Out of the eight foreign players we picked, six didn’t turn up at the last minute — that was a huge setback. They cited national and club commitments.”
Nevertheless, he was upbeat about the women’s squad. “They played good hockey despite the results,” he observed.
With India duties behind him, Sreejesh’s schedule remains relentless. Between guiding the nation’s next generation and steering an ambitious franchise, he has little time to reflect on a remarkable career — one that continues to inspire countless young players dreaming of their own moment between the posts.
