New Delhi [India], January 26: Hockey India (HI) on Sunday extended heartfelt congratulations to former Indian Men’s Hockey Team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on being awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.
Sreejesh, often referred to as the ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey,’ becomes only the second hockey player to receive the Padma Bhushan, following the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who was honored with the award in 1956. Currently serving as the Coach of the Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team, Sreejesh’s remarkable contributions to Indian hockey have made a lasting impact on the sport.
With an illustrious 18-year career, Sreejesh represented India in 336 international matches, retiring after the Paris Olympics 2024. In his final Olympic appearance, he played a key role in helping India secure a bronze medal, adding to the bronze medal India earned at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His extensive list of accolades includes being named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021. A cornerstone of India’s resurgence on the global hockey stage, his leadership and exceptional goalkeeping were critical during high-pressure moments in major tournaments.
As a coach, Sreejesh also led the Indian Junior Hockey Team to victory in the Junior Asia Cup in November 2024.
Expressing pride in his achievement, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, “It is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey community that PR Sreejesh has been recognized with the Padma Bhushan. His contributions to Indian hockey, both as a player and mentor, have been monumental. He continues to inspire countless young players, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “PR Sreejesh’s journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and excellence. Being only the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive the Padma Bhushan speaks volumes about his extraordinary career and lasting impact on Indian hockey.”
Upon receiving the Padma Bhushan, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive the Padma Bhushan, and I would like to thank the Government of India for this recognition. Hockey has been my life for almost two decades, and every time I stepped onto the field, it 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 the footsteps of Major Dhyan Chand, who remains an eternal source of inspiration for all of us.”
Sreejesh’s illustrious career includes four Olympic appearances (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games bronze medal (2018), two Commonwealth Games silver medals (2014 and 2022), and four Asian Champions Trophy titles (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). Known as the ‘Great Wall of Indian Hockey,’ Sreejesh’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of hockey players.