Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has sparked a major debate in Indian hockey after alleging that he was removed as coach of the India junior men’s hockey team to make way for a foreign coach.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist claimed his coaching stint ended despite delivering impressive results with the junior side. Since taking charge after retiring following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sreejesh guided the team to podium finishes in all five tournaments they played, including a bronze medal at the FIH Junior World Cup.
“Can’t Indian Coaches Develop Indian Hockey?”
In a strongly worded social media post, Sreejesh questioned Hockey India’s continued reliance on foreign coaches across national teams.
According to him, Hockey India president Dilip Kumar Tirkey informed him that senior men’s team coach Craig Fulton preferred a foreign coach for the junior setup as well to ensure continuity in development from junior to senior level.
Sreejesh, however, openly challenged that approach, asking why Indian coaches are not trusted to shape the future of Indian hockey.
Strong Results Yet Sudden Exit
The former goalkeeper said he had only heard of coaches losing jobs after poor performances and found the decision difficult to understand given the team’s success under his guidance.
Under Sreejesh, India’s junior side reportedly won the Junior Asia Cup and secured podium finishes at major international tournaments, rapidly establishing themselves as one of the strongest youth teams in world hockey.
Sports Minister’s Encouragement Adds Twist
Sreejesh also revealed that during a March 2026 meeting, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had encouraged him to take on a bigger coaching role as India prepares for the 2036 Olympic vision.
That, according to Sreejesh, makes Hockey India’s alleged preference for overseas coaches even more disappointing.
Debate Over Foreign Coaches Rekindled
The controversy has once again reignited debate over whether Indian sports federations place excessive faith in foreign coaches despite the rise of accomplished former Indian athletes entering coaching roles.
With Indian hockey enjoying strong international performances in recent years, Sreejesh’s remarks are likely to intensify discussions around long-term coaching philosophy and the role Indian coaches should play in shaping the next generation.
Discussion about this post