Legendary Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh has officially reapplied for the position of chief coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team after his contract concluded in December 2025.
Hockey India is expected to take a final call on the appointment within the next two weeks, with several other candidates also in contention for the role.
Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist and one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the history of Indian hockey, was appointed as the junior team’s chief coach in August 2024 shortly after announcing his retirement from international hockey. His first tenure at the helm yielded immediate results, as he guided India to a bronze medal finish at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup held in Chennai last December a result that ended the country’s nine-year wait for a podium finish at the global junior showpiece.
India’s campaign at the tournament was highlighted by a spirited comeback victory over Argentina in the bronze medal match. Trailing 0-2 at one stage, the Indian side rallied to score four goals in the final quarter to seal a 4-2 win a performance that reflected both tactical adaptability and mental resilience within the squad.
Speaking about his decision to reapply for the role, Sreejesh confirmed that he submitted his application after Hockey India advertised the position in line with standard selection procedures.
“My contract expired after the Junior World Cup in December. I have reapplied for the position after the advertisement came out. I understand that six or seven others have also applied, so we will have to wait and see how things progress,” Sreejesh said to PTI.
Since stepping into the coaching role, the former goalkeeper has described the experience as both rewarding and educational. Having spent more than two decades competing at the highest level of international hockey, Sreejesh believes that sharing his insights with young players was a natural progression after retirement.
The 2025 Junior World Cup bronze medal remains the highlight of his brief coaching tenure, although Sreejesh admitted that the team had initially targeted a higher finish.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh confirmed that multiple candidates have expressed interest in the role and that the federation will follow a structured screening and interview process before making the final appointment.
An advertisement was issued for the junior men’s team chief coach position after Sreejesh’s contract ended. Six or seven candidates have applied, including him. The screening and interview process will now take place, and the appointment is expected to be finalised within 7 to 14 days.
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The decision comes at a crucial time for Indian hockey’s development pathway, particularly as several members of the junior squad that featured at the World Cup are now beginning to transition into the senior national setup. The junior team coach’s role is therefore considered vital in maintaining continuity between age-group development and elite international competition in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.
During his initial stint, Sreejesh placed significant emphasis on preparing young players for the tactical and psychological demands of international tournaments. His approach combined technical training with match-specific analysis and exposure to high-pressure scenarios, aimed at bridging the gap between junior-level success and senior-level consistency.
Now awaiting the outcome of the selection process from his hometown in Kerala, Sreejesh remains optimistic about the possibility of continuing his journey with the junior national side.
The final decision on India’s junior men’s hockey team chief coach is expected to be announced by Hockey India before the end of the month.
