P. R. Sreejesh, born on 14th September 1988, is a celebrated Indian professional field hockey player and former captain of the Indian national team. Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Sreejesh has been instrumental in India’s resurgence in international hockey. His agility, reflexes, and leadership qualities have made him a pivotal figure in the team’s successes, including the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This answer will detail his journey, achievements, and contributions to Indian hockey. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, Sreejesh initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas College, Pala. He began his hockey journey at the age of six, inspired by his uncle, a former hockey player. He joined the Kerala State Sports Council and later joined the Namdhari XI hockey academy in Mohali, Punjab, in 2004. This move proved crucial in shaping his career, providing him with professional training and exposure. International Debut and Rise to Prominence Sreejesh made his debut for the Indian national team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo. He was a part of the Indian team that won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2007. His breakthrough came during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he played a vital role in India’s silver medal win. He gradually established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, consistently delivering exceptional performances. Key Achievements and Contributions London Olympics 2012: Sreejesh was a key member of the Indian team that participated in the London Olympics, gaining valuable experience on the world stage. Champions Trophy 2014: He was named the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ at the 2014 Champions Trophy held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, showcasing his growing prowess. Rio Olympics 2016: Sreejesh led the Indian team as captain at the Rio Olympics, demonstrating his leadership skills. Asian Champions Trophy 2016: He captained the Indian team to victory at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, held in Kuantan, Malaysia. Tokyo Olympics 2020: Sreejesh played a crucial role in India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, making several crucial saves during the tournament. He was also awarded the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ of the tournament. Captaincy and Leadership Sreejesh was appointed as the captain of the Indian national hockey team in 2016, succeeding Sardar Singh. His captaincy was marked by a focus on team unity, discipline, and strategic gameplay. He led the team through several important tournaments, fostering a positive and competitive environment. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates was a key factor in India’s successes. Awards and Recognition Sreejesh has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian hockey. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2017, recognizing his exceptional sporting achievements. He has also been honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2018. His consistent performances have earned him widespread recognition and respect within the hockey community. Post-Captaincy and Continued Contribution While he relinquished captaincy in 2021, Sreejesh continues to be a vital member of the Indian hockey team, providing experience and guidance to younger players. He remains a key figure in the team’s defensive strategy and continues to inspire with his dedication and commitment to the sport. P. R. Sreejesh’s journey from a young boy in Kerala to a celebrated international hockey player is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. His contributions to Indian hockey, both as a player and a leader, have been invaluable. He remains an inspiration for aspiring athletes and a symbol of India’s growing prowess in the sport. His continued presence in the team ensures a strong foundation for future success.

Question 43 | UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I 2011

P. R. Sreejesh

How to Approach

The question simply provides a name – P. R. Sreejesh. This implies a ‘write notes on’ directive, requiring a comprehensive overview of his achievements and significance. The answer should focus on his career as a field hockey player, highlighting his key accomplishments, awards, and contributions to Indian sports. Structure the answer chronologically, starting with his early life and progressing through his career highlights. Focus on his role as a goalkeeper and captain.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, Sreejesh initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas College, Pala. He began his hockey journey at the age of six, inspired by his uncle, a former hockey player. He joined the Kerala State Sports Council and later joined the Namdhari XI hockey academy in Mohali, Punjab, in 2004. This move proved crucial in shaping his career, providing him with professional training and exposure.

International Debut and Rise to Prominence

Sreejesh made his debut for the Indian national team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo. He was a part of the Indian team that won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2007. His breakthrough came during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he played a vital role in India’s silver medal win. He gradually established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, consistently delivering exceptional performances.

Key Achievements and Contributions

London Olympics 2012: Sreejesh was a key member of the Indian team that participated in the London Olympics, gaining valuable experience on the world stage.
Champions Trophy 2014: He was named the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ at the 2014 Champions Trophy held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, showcasing his growing prowess.
Rio Olympics 2016: Sreejesh led the Indian team as captain at the Rio Olympics, demonstrating his leadership skills.
Asian Champions Trophy 2016: He captained the Indian team to victory at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, held in Kuantan, Malaysia.
Tokyo Olympics 2020: Sreejesh played a crucial role in India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, making several crucial saves during the tournament. He was also awarded the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ of the tournament.

Captaincy and Leadership

Sreejesh was appointed as the captain of the Indian national hockey team in 2016, succeeding Sardar Singh. His captaincy was marked by a focus on team unity, discipline, and strategic gameplay. He led the team through several important tournaments, fostering a positive and competitive environment. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates was a key factor in India’s successes.

Awards and Recognition

Sreejesh has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian hockey. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2017, recognizing his exceptional sporting achievements. He has also been honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2018. His consistent performances have earned him widespread recognition and respect within the hockey community.

Post-Captaincy and Continued Contribution

While he relinquished captaincy in 2021, Sreejesh continues to be a vital member of the Indian hockey team, providing experience and guidance to younger players. He remains a key figure in the team’s defensive strategy and continues to inspire with his dedication and commitment to the sport.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Arjuna Award

The Arjuna Award is a national sports award of India, presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It recognizes outstanding achievement in national sports.

Padma Shri

The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in India, awarded for distinguished service in various fields, including sports.

Key Statistics

India has won 8 Olympic gold medals in field hockey, the most by any country. Sreejesh was part of the team that ended a 41-year Olympic medal drought in hockey with the bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Source: Olympic Official Website (as of knowledge cutoff)

As of 2023, Sreejesh has over 290 international caps for India, making him one of the most capped Indian hockey players.

Source: Stick2Hockey.com (as of knowledge cutoff)

Examples

Sreejesh's save against Belgium in Tokyo Olympics

During the bronze medal match against Belgium in the Tokyo Olympics, Sreejesh made a crucial save in the final seconds of the game, denying Belgium a potential equalizer and securing the bronze medal for India. This save was widely hailed as a game-changing moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What makes P.R. Sreejesh a unique goalkeeper?

Sreejesh is known for his exceptional reflexes, agility, and ability to read the game. He also possesses strong mental fortitude and leadership qualities, making him a reliable and inspiring presence in the Indian team.