New Delhi: Indian Hockey Icon PR Srijesh Hockey India has publicly questioned its continued preference for foreign coaches after it was revealed that his position as coach of the junior men’s team had come to an abrupt end.In a strongly worded social media post, Sreejesh claimed that he was removed despite guiding the team to success in every tournament under his watch, and suggested that the decision was made to bring in a foreign coach instead.The former goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of India’s brightest long-term coaching prospects after retirement, said the development stunned him.“My coaching career seems to be coming to an end after 1.5 years, during which we played five tournaments and achieved five podium finishes, including a Junior World Cup bronze medal,” Sreejesh wrote.
‘Removed despite consequences’Under the leadership of Sreejesh, the Indian junior men’s team won the gold medal in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, the bronze medal in the Sultan of Johor Cup and also the bronze medal in the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup. In five tournaments, the side finished on the podium each time.Sreejesh pointed out that he had heard of coaches losing their jobs after poor results, but said his case was completely different.“I have heard of coaches being sacked after poor performances. But this is the first time I have experienced a removal to make way for a foreign coach,” he said.Questions for Hockey IndiaSreejesh revealed the explanation he was allegedly given by the federation. According to him, the decision was linked to the preference of the senior men’s coaching set-up.“The head coach of the senior men’s team prefers a foreign head coach for the junior team, believing it will help Indian hockey progress from the junior level to the senior level,” Hockey India president said. He wrote.This gave rise to his question mark: “Can’t Indian coaches develop Indian hockey?”Contrary to the minister’s messageSreejesh also revealed that he got encouragement from the sports minister earlier this year. Mansakh Mandaviya Taking on major responsibilities in India’s build-up to the 2036 Summer Olympics.“On 07-03-2026, during a meeting with Sports Minister Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, I was told, ‘Sreejesh, we need coaches like you to lead our country as we prepare for 2036,'” he said.He contrasted this support with what he described as the federation’s current approach.“However, Hockey India continues to rely on foreign coaches over Indians in all four teams,” he concluded.
