NEW DELHI: Hockey India has issued a detailed response after Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh publicly questioned the federation’s continued trust in foreign coaches, saying his contract as junior men’s coach had simply ended and that he was never “fired”.The statement came hours after Sreejesh posted a strongly-worded message on social media, claiming he was removed despite five podium finishes in five tournaments and alleging he had been replaced to make way for a foreign coach.
Hockey India denies removing PR Sreejesh
Responding to the controversy, Hockey India said Sreejesh’s coaching term had officially concluded in December 2025 as per contract and that the post was then advertised in accordance with standard procedure.“The coaching term for P.R. Sreejesh was officially concluded as per contract in December 2025. After this, as per protocol the position was advertised and applicants were shortlisted and finalised as per a proper selection process basis merit,” the federation said.It added that a new coach had been selected based on qualifications and would be announced soon.The federation strongly denied Sreejesh’s claim that he was removed.“We have in no terms ‘fired’ Sreejesh,” the statement said.Alternative role offered for Olympic cycleHockey India revealed that Sreejesh had instead been offered the role of coach for the development team, which it described as a key part of India’s preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics and the broader 2036 Olympic roadmap.“This would have furthered his experience and exposure as a coach. However, he did not accept this position despite being asked to reconsider the decision,” it added.The federation also denied that senior men’s coach Craig Fulton had asked for a foreign junior coach.“In no terms has it ever been conveyed to him that there has been any preference for a foreign coach by the chief coach,” the statement read.
Sreejesh’s public challenge
Earlier, Sreejesh had claimed his successful stint had ended unexpectedly after just one and a half years, despite winning medals in every tournament.“It seems like my coaching career comes to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played five tournaments and secured five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal,” he wrote.He also asked the question that has sparked debate across Indian hockey: “Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?”Under Sreejesh, India won the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, secured bronze at the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup and finished on the podium in all five events.Federation defends Indian coach pathwayHockey India said developing Indian coaches remains central to its plans.It claimed its coaching pathway programme has already certified over 600 homegrown coaches nationwide and insisted that Indian coaches are regularly integrated with senior training camps to improve exposure.“We continue to value P.R. Sreejesh as a legend of the sport and look forward to his future success,” the federation said, even as the public disagreement has opened a wider debate over India’s coaching direction ahead of the next Olympic cycle.
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