PR Sreejesh: The Legendary Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Who Signed Off With Paris Olympic Bronze Medal

As Indian men's hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh bid farewell to his illustrious 18-year hockey career by securing a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain, here's a look at the journey of this legendary custodian.

Early Life

PR Sreejesh was born on May 8, 1988, in Kizhakkambalam village, Ernakulam district, Kerala, to a family of farmers-P. V. Raveendran and Usha. He began his education at St. Antony's Lower Primary School in Kizhakkambalam and continued at St. Joseph's High School in the same village until the sixth grade. Initially, Sreejesh trained as a sprinter and later dabbled in long jump and volleyball. At the age of 12, he joined GV Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram, where his coach recognized his potential as a goalkeeper. Under the guidance of hockey coach Jayakumar, Sreejesh honed his skills and played in the Nehru Cup before going on to complete his graduation in History from Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala.

Professional Career

Sreejesh made his mark on the Junior national team in 2004 during a match against Australia in Perth. He debuted for the senior national team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo. His stellar performance at the 2008 Junior Asia Cup earned him the title of 'Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.' Sreejesh's heroics were pivotal in India's gold medal win at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, where he saved two crucial penalty strokes in the final against Pakistan. On July 13, 2016, he was appointed captain of the Indian hockey team, succeeding Sardar Singh. Under his leadership, India reached the quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sreejesh's crowning achievement came at the Tokyo Olympics on August 5, 2021, where he played a crucial role in India's historic victory over Germany, securing the country's first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years.

Before his final appearance for the national team at the Paris Olympics, PR Sreejesh took to social media to share his gratitude and pride. On his official social media account, Sreejesh posted, "As I stand between the posts for the last time, my heart is filled with gratitude and pride."

He had previously announced that the Paris Olympics would be his final international outing for India.

A Controversy-Free Icon: Sreejesh's Rise in Kerala

It took time for Sreejesh to gain recognition in his home state of Kerala, but his perseverance and dedication eventually made him a beloved figure across the state. His journey from a small village to becoming an international hockey icon is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's Family Celebrates Olympic Bronze with Sweets and Crackers in Ernakulam

The air was filled with excitement and pride as the family of India's legendary hockey goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, celebrated his latest achievement in Ernakulam. As India clinched the bronze medal in the men's hockey event at the Paris Olympics, Sreejesh's family couldn't contain their joy and marked the occasion by distributing sweets and bursting crackers in their hometown.

The narrow lanes of Ernakulam echoed with the sounds of celebration as neighbors joined the family in expressing their happiness. Sreejesh's contribution to Indian hockey has always been a source of immense pride for his family and the local community, and his outstanding performance in the Olympics was another feather in his cap.