Veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper and legend of the sport PR Shreejesh has announced his retirement from the international stage, with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics being his last tournament in the Indian jersey.
Having made his debut for the national team all the way back in 2006, which is 18 years ago, Shreejesh has been India’s No. 1 goalkeeper for most of that time. With 328 national caps under his belt, the Kochi-born star has been one of the most prolific players in the rich history of Indian hockey.
Shreejesh, whose full name is Parattu Raveendran Shreejesh, received a Padma Shri and Khel Ratna Award from the government of India. On the field, he has won it all with the national side.
Check Out: PR Shreejesh Announces Retirement From Hockey
Shreejesh is a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and a medalist in the Champions Trophy and the World League. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the 36-year-old was part of the first Indian team to win an Olympic medal in 41 years as India won a bronze.
The three-time Olympian has been a rock in front of goal for India for almost two decades. After such a long service to the national team, PR Shreejesh is ready to call it quits after one last shot at glory.
PR Shreejesh Announces Retirement From Hockey
In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, the legendary goalie announced his retirement from international hockey in a heartfelt message.
“As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans,” he wrote.
In reply to the original post, the official Hockey India account preached for the Indian team to win yet another Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris Games and do it for Shreejesh.
“Once a champion, always a champion. #WinItForSreejesh”
The men’s field hockey tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics will see 12 teams compete for the ultimate glory in world sports. India is in Group B, which is highly competitive. Along with the Men in Blue, the group also consists of former Olympic and World Champions Australia, 2020 Olympic champions Belgium, 2016 Olympic Champions Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand.
The top four teams from this group will make it to the quarterfinals, from which stage a medal is just a couple of wins away.
Get Paris Olympics 2024 Live Results & Olympics Team Updates along with the Latest Olympic Ticket Prices at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
