New Delhi: Legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has re-applied for India’s junior hockey team chief coach position. Sreejesh, who’s contract ended in December last year, is seeking a second stint with the junior team with aim to lend his contribution and expertise to the young Indian stars. The final decision on the position would  be taken in 15 days time.

Sreejesh, who happens to be a two-time Olympic bronze-medallist, was named as the head coach of the junior men’s team back in August 2024, His first stint with the junior team remained fruitful as he guided India to a bronze medal finish at the FIH men’s hockey junior World Cup in Chennai last year in December.

Sreejesh seeks another stint

This victory became historic as it ended a nine-year wait for podium finish at the event as India made a dramatic come-from-behind 4-2 win over the Argentina side. But the talismanic player’s contract expired in December and he has set his yes on becoming the coach for one more time. Sreejesh has proved himself as one of the best-ever player’s in the history of Indian hockey.

‘Yes, my contract expired after World Cup, precisely on December 21 last year and after that I am in my hometown in Kerala. But I have reapplied when the advertisement came. I knew some six to seven others have also applied. Let’s see what happens now,’ Sreejesh told news agency PTI.

Harmanpreet opts out of Hobart leg after Rourkela horror

Team India will next depart for the Hobart leg of the FIH Pro League matches from February 20 to 25, where they are set to play host Australia and Spain. Ahead of the departure, regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh was opted out due to personal reasons and mid-fielder Hardik Singh was named as the skipper of embattled team.

This comes after India suffered a terrible outing at the recently-concluded Rourkele leg where they lost all four matches which included a shocking 0-8 loss at the hand of Argentina.

‘After a disappointing four matches in Rourkela, where the results didn’t go our way, we’ve learned some good lessons and made some notable improvements,’ India coach Craig Fulton said.

India’s Squad

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, Poovanna Chandura Boby.

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal.

Forwards: Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Angad Bir Singh, Maninder Singh.