Hockey India Honors Sreejesh with Padma Bhushan Award
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Synopsis
Hockey India proudly congratulates PR Sreejesh for his Padma Bhushan award, the third-highest civilian honor in India. As a celebrated player and coach, he has made monumental contributions to Indian hockey, inspiring many young athletes.
Key Takeaways
- PR Sreejesh awarded Padma Bhushan
- Second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand
- Played 336 international matches
- Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey's remarks
- Coached junior men's team to Asia Cup victory
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Hockey India expressed its sincere congratulations to former Indian men’s team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for being awarded the esteemed Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor in India.
Notably, Sreejesh, celebrated as the ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey’ and currently coaching the junior men's team, is now only the second hockey player to receive the Padma Bhushan, following the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who received this accolade in 1956.
His remarkable career spanned 18 years, during which he played for India in 336 international matches, concluding after the Paris Olympics 2024. Sreejesh's outstanding goalkeeping in his final Olympic appearance helped India secure a bronze medal, adding to the historic bronze achieved in Tokyo 2020.
His extensive list of honors includes being named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2024, receiving the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021.
Having made his senior debut in 2010, Sreejesh was pivotal in the Indian team's resurgence on the global stage, showcasing leadership and experience during crucial tournament moments.
Furthermore, as a coach, Sreejesh led the men's junior team to a title victory at the Junior Asia Cup in November 2024.
In response to this honor, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, "This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire hockey community as PR Sreejesh is recognized with the Padma Bhushan. His contribution to Indian hockey has been monumental, both as a player and now as a mentor. His achievements continue to inspire countless young players, and we are elated to see him receive this well-deserved recognition."
Additionally, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh commented, "PR Sreejesh’s journey exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and excellence. His numerous accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to the sport. Being the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive the Padma Bhushan is a testament to his extraordinary career and lasting influence on Indian hockey."
Upon receiving the Padma Bhushan, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honored to accept the Padma Bhushan and thank the Government of India for this recognition. Hockey has been my life for nearly two decades, and every time I stepped onto the field, my goal was to give my best for the country. This award is a tribute to all the players, coaches, and support staff who have been a part of my journey. I am humbled to follow in Major Dhyan Chand's footsteps, who continues to inspire all of us."
Sreejesh’s illustrious career includes participation in four Olympic Games—London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024—as well as winning two Asian Games gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games bronze medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games silver medals (2014 and 2022).
Moreover, he played a vital role in India’s triumph in the Asian Champions Trophy four times (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). Sreejesh’s legacy as the ‘Great Wall of Indian Hockey’ will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
