Hyderabad: Indian hockey star P.R. Sreejesh has spoken out against Hockey India after being removed as head coach of the junior hockey team. The two-time Olympic medalist isn’t happy with how the situation has unfolded.
In a recent social media post, Sreejesh expressed his frustration. He pointed out that Hockey India didn’t explain the purpose of the “development team” he was offered. Instead of a promotion, he feels his new role is a demotion.
He raised several questions: “Do we really have a development team? Who are the players? What’s the program structure? What camps and tournaments are planned?” He emphasized that foreign coaches seem to be favored over Indian ones, noting, “We have 4 teams with 6 foreign coaches, and only 1 Indian coach in each team.”
Hockey India responded to the criticism, stating that Sreejesh wasn’t fired; his contract simply ended in December 2025, and they followed standard procedures. Frederic Soyez has been appointed as the new junior men’s coach. Sreejesh questioned how it could be seen as progress after leading the team to a Junior World Cup bronze medal and being reassigned to a goalkeeper coach role.
This clash between Sreejesh and Hockey India highlights a growing concern over the role of domestic talent in Indian sports. Despite his accolades, including back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, Sreejesh’s situation reflects a broader issue within Indian hockey. A report from the International Hockey Federation shows that foreign coaches dominate in many national teams worldwide, but this can overshadow local talent.
As the backlash continues, this situation is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about controversies in Indian sports today. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the dialogue reflects deep-rooted questions about talent recognition and national pride in coaching decisions.
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