Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh is reportedly set to receive the prestigious Bharat Gourav Award from East Bengal Club. This recognition adds another feather to the cap of the veteran goalkeeper, who recently announced his retirement from international hockey after an illustrious 18-year career.
Sreejesh's journey to becoming one of India's most celebrated hockey players began in a village in Kerala, where he initially pursued athletics and volleyball. However, he found his calling in hockey, eventually making his debut for the junior national team in 2004 and the senior team in 2006.
Throughout his career, Sreejesh has been a pivotal figure in the Indian hockey team, earning the moniker "The Great Wall of India" for his exceptional goalkeeping skills. His contributions have been instrumental in India's success on the world stage, including winning bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also captained the team at the Rio 2016 Olympics, leading them to the quarter-finals.
Sreejesh's achievements extend beyond the Olympics. He has been a part of the teams that won gold medals at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, as well as silver medals at the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games. His heroics in the 2014 Asian Games final against Pakistan, where he saved two penalty strokes, are particularly memorable. He was also named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2014 and 2018 Champions Trophy events.
In addition to his team achievements, Sreejesh has also received individual accolades. In 2021, he was named the World Games Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Indian man to win the award. He has also been honored with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. Furthermore, he won the FIH Best Male Goalkeeper award three times, in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
East Bengal Club's decision to bestow the Bharat Gourav Award on Sreejesh is a testament to his outstanding contributions to Indian sports. The Bharat Gourav Award was established in 2011 to honor outstanding sports personalities who have made India proud. Previous recipients include Leslie Claudius, Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, and Dhanraj Pillay.
The award will be presented on August 1st, during East Bengal Club's foundation day celebrations. On the same occasion, the club will also recognize other outstanding athletes with various awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Player of the Season Award. Former captains Satyajit Mitra and Mihir Bose will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Souvik Chakraborty and Soumya Guguloth will be awarded as the best footballers of the year, while Kanishka Seth will be awarded as the best cricketer.
Sreejesh's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He has played a crucial role in reviving interest in hockey, a sport that had long been overshadowed by cricket in India. His success has inspired a new generation of hockey players and fans, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come. Since 2024, Sreejesh is the head coach of the India men's national U-21 team.
