Hockey India congratulates PR Sreejesh on receiving the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Celebrated as the “God of Modern Indian Hockey,” Sreejesh’s illustrious career and continued contribution as a coach make him only the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive this honour.
Hockey India has proudly congratulated PR Sreejesh, former goalkeeper of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and current coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Team, on being honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
This monumental achievement places Sreejesh alongside the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, making him only the second hockey player in Indian history to receive the Padma Bhushan. While Dhyan Chand was awarded this honour in 1956, Sreejesh’s outstanding contribution to Indian hockey has earned him this recognition nearly seven decades later.
Widely celebrated as the “God of Modern Indian Hockey,” Sreejesh enjoyed a stellar 18-year international career, earning 336 caps for India. His journey culminated after the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he once again showcased his brilliance by helping India secure a Bronze medal, building on the historic Bronze win at Tokyo 2020.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sreejesh amassed a series of accolades, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award (2021, 2022, 2024), the Arjuna Award (2015), the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), and the World Games Athlete of the Year Award (2021). His consistency, calm under pressure, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Indian defence since his senior debut in 2010.
Following his retirement from international hockey, Sreejesh transitioned seamlessly into coaching. Under his leadership, the Indian Junior Men’s Team clinched the Junior Asia Cup title in November 2024, further underlining his commitment to nurturing future stars.
Sreejesh’s resume is decorated with appearances at four Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014, 2022), an Asian Games Bronze medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014, 2022). He also played crucial roles in India’s victories at the Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, “PR Sreejesh’s contribution to Indian hockey, both as a player and a coach, has been extraordinary. This Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to a career that has inspired countless young players across the country.”
Adding to the celebration, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said, “Sreejesh has been the heart of Indian hockey’s resurgence. His achievements are a proud chapter for Indian hockey, and we are excited to see him shape the future as a coach.”
