The Indian hockey team has retired PR Sreejesh’s number 16 shirt for the senior national team, following the legendary goalkeeper’s retirement from the sport. The “Great Indian Wall of Hockey” captained the team to a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
He played a vital role in helping the team finish on the podium, and has now stepped into coaching in what will be the next chapter for him in hockey. Sreejesh also received a special trophy and a cash prize worth ₹25 lakh to commemorate his contribution to the game.
PR Sreejesh receives major honor from Indian hockey
An era of excellence ends as Hockey India retires the iconic No. 16 jersey of PR Sreejesh. From impossible saves to inspiring generations, Sreejesh’s legacy will forever be etched in the history of Indian hockey. 🏑🇮🇳 #IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #SreejeshFelicitation… pic.twitter.com/yelBLMtAAq
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 14, 2024
While speaking on the legendary goalie, General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh said:
“PR Sreejesh’s retirement marks a significant moment in the history of Indian hockey. For nearly two decades, Sreejesh has been the cornerstone of our national team, embodying the spirit, resilience, and excellence that define Indian hockey.”
“We will not retire No. 16 Jersey in Junior Hockey so that Sreejesh could create another ‘Sreejesh, No.16’ as a coach,” Singh stated, adding an interesting caveat to the retirement of the jersey.
So, while we will never have another number 16 in the Indian national team, we will have the chance to see another youngster take on the iconic number in the junior team before they work their way up to the men’s national team.
