P. R. Sreejesh is an Indian professional hockey player known for his goalkeeping skills in the national team. |
He received the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2017 for his achievements in hockey. |
Sreejesh developed his passion for sports during his childhood and was introduced to hockey at GV Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram. |
Initially hesitant, he eventually embraced hockey and excelled in the sport under coach Jayakumar. |
Sreejesh began his international career in 2004 with the Junior national team and progressed to the senior team in 2006. |
He gained fame for his exceptional defense during the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy Final against Pakistan. |
Sreejesh was instrumental in India's victory at the 2013 Asia Cup and was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. |
His standout performances continued, helping India secure gold at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2014 Champions Trophy. |
In 2016, Sreejesh was appointed captain of the Indian Hockey Team, leading them to the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics. |
He guided India to silver at the 2018 Breda Champions Trophy and bronze at the Jakarta Asian Games. |
Despite a serious knee injury in 2018, Sreejesh made a successful comeback to the field after eight months of recovery. |
Under his captaincy, India won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, the team's first Olympic medal since 1980. |
Sreejesh has been honored with a road named after him in his hometown for his contributions to Indian hockey. |
In his leisure time, he enjoys reading books and has also dabbled in modeling for various clothing brands. |