P. R. Sreejesh

Two penalty strokes saved against Pakistan during the 2014 Asian Games final propelled Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh into the spotlight, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in Indian field hockey. Born in Kizhakkambalam in 1988, he transitioned from childhood athletics to a goalkeeping career that spanned two decades, eventually captaining his nation to multiple Olympic podium finishes.

Formative years and athletic versatility

Raised by farmers P. V. Raveendran and Usha, Sreejesh attended St. Antony’s Lower Primary School and later St. Joseph’s High School. His early physical training focused on sprinting, long jump, and volleyball. At age twelve, he enrolled at the G. V. Raja Sports School in Thiruvananthapuram, where coach Jayakumar directed him toward hockey. He later graduated with a degree in History from Sree Narayana College in Chempazhanthy.

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International career trajectory

Sreejesh debuted for the junior national team in 2004 and the senior squad in 2006. He became a fixture in the starting lineup in 2011 after a performance in Ordos City against Pakistan. He secured silver medals at the 2016 Champions Trophy and captained the squad during the Rio Olympics. His tenure included a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and a subsequent bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Transition to coaching

Following his retirement from international play after the Paris Olympics, Sreejesh moved into coaching. He managed the Indian men's U21 team and the Delhi SG Pipers in the Hockey India League. In 2025, he guided the Indian squad to a bronze medal finish at the FIH Junior World Cup held in Tamilnadu.

Professional and personal life

In club hockey, Sreejesh participated in the Hockey India League, representing the Mumbai Magicians and the Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Outside of sports, he serves as a joint director for the Government of Kerala’s Department of General and Higher Education. He is married to Ayurveda doctor Aneeshya, and they have two children, Anusree and Sreeansh.