For Sreejesh, coaching is something that he had been aspiring for. He would have loved to coach younger hockey players because he believes that getting them trained from the grassroots would help them develop into better players rather than focusing on the players after reaching elite level. This he revealed during a panel discussion at the institute.
As things stand, Sreejesh’s assignment with the U21 team will be until the 2025 Junior World Cup to be held in India. “That’s the short target,” felt Sreejesh. “Ultimately, these boys are preparing for the LA 2028 and the 2032 Olympics. So when one prepares something for them, when I train them, I will see that their basics are stronger. The team is leaving for Johor Bahru in Malaysia after the 15th and after that in November end, we are going to Muscat for the Junior Asia Cup.”
He wants to continue coaching after 2025 as well but said he would think about that later.
As for not opting to be part of the player auction at the Hockey India League, Sreejesh said that he did not want to block some youngsters’ spot. “The league is a great opportunity for young players to develop, so I don’t want to block anyone’s spot,” said Sreejesh, who is the Delhi SG Pipers director. “I would be the bridge between hockey players and corporates. I will help them with my experience.”
The HITS felicitation function ended with a panel discussion on Road to Brisbane: Road to Brisbane 2032: Elevating National Performance in Future Olympics.
