K ARUMUGAM
Hon’ble President of India Draupati Murmu conferred Padma Bhusan award to Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh today in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. Padma Bhusan is the third highest civilian award. Only hockey legend Dhyan Chand had the honour of getting the acclaim before. He was given the honour in 1956. It means, Padma Bhusan to Indian hockey player after nearly seven decades!
Sreejesh hailed from a State that is not known for hockey thought it has produced a few. He started his sporting career in volleyball before shifting to hockey. He made his inernational debut against visiting France at the fag end of 2004.
President of India Hon’ble Draupati Murmu giving away Padma Bhusan award to Sreejesh.
India fielded an experimental team in the Bilateral International Series. While most of the youngsters of his age were in the Junior India team or camp, he got the breakthrough out of blue. According to Hockey India press releases, he made his debut in 2008!
Be it for some other occasion.
Sreejesh, who is coaching India’s Under-21, turned out in impeccable traditional dress – full sleeve shirt in pure silk and dhoti.
Sreejesh enjoyed a glittering 18-year international career, earning 336 caps for India before bidding farewell to professional hockey after the Paris 2024 Olympics. True to form, he delivered a series of stunning performances to help India clinch a Bronze medal, following up on the historic Bronze win at Tokyo 2020.
Throughout his distinguished career, Sreejesh collected numerous accolades, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award three times (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 in 2021. Since making his senior international debut in 2010, he became a backbone of the Indian defense, known for his composure and brilliance under pressure.
Transitioning smoothly into coaching, Sreejesh led the Indian junior team to a memorable Junior Asia Cup title win in November 2024, continuing to contribute to Indian hockey’s growing success story.
Sreejesh’s impressive resume also includes appearances at four Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games Bronze medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014 and 2022). He also played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy on four occasions (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023).
Reflecting on this significant honour, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “PR Sreejesh’s contribution to Indian hockey, both as a player and now as a coach, has been extraordinary. He exemplifies dedication, excellence, and leadership. This Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to a career that has inspired countless young players across India. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.”