Latest news with #IndianJuniorMen'sTeam
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Birendra Lakra joins Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach
New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian Men's Hockey Team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian Junior Men's Team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai, the release stated. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games - London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic Bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a Gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, Bronze in 2018, Silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, Silver at the 2014 CWG, and Silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won Bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (Gold in 2016, Silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, Coach of the Indian Junior Men's Team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.' (ANI)
News18
28-04-2025
- Sport
- News18
Hockey India Congratulates PR Sreejesh On Receiving Padma Bhushan
Last Updated: PR Sreejesh is only the second hockey player in history to receive the Padma Bhushan. PR Sreejesh, former goalkeeper of the Indian Men's Hockey Team and current coach of the Indian Junior Men's Team, has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. Hockey India on Monday, proudly congratulated Sreejesh for receiving this prestigious recognition. This remarkable recognition places Sreejesh alongside the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, making him only the second hockey player in history to receive the Padma Bhushan. Dhyan Chand was bestowed with this honour in 1956, and nearly seven decades later, Sreejesh's contribution to Indian hockey earns him a place among the greats. Celebrated as the 'God of Modern Indian Hockey," Sreejesh enjoyed a glittering 18-year international career, earning 336 caps for India before bidding farewell to professional hockey after the Paris 2024 Olympics. True to form, he delivered a series of stunning performances to help India clinch a Bronze medal, following up on the historic Bronze win at Tokyo 2020. Throughout his distinguished career, Sreejesh collected numerous accolades, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award three times (2021, 2022, and 2024), the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021. Since making his senior international debut in 2010, he became a backbone of the Indian defense, known for his composure and brilliance under pressure. Transitioning smoothly into coaching, Sreejesh led the Indian junior team to a memorable Junior Asia Cup title win in November 2024, continuing to contribute to Indian hockey's growing success story. Sreejesh's impressive resume also includes appearances at four Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games Bronze medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014 and 2022). He also played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy on four occasions (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). Reflecting on this significant honour, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, 'PR Sreejesh's contribution to Indian hockey, both as a player and now as a coach, has been extraordinary. He exemplifies dedication, excellence, and leadership. This Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to a career that has inspired countless young players across India. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and his family." Adding to the sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh stated, 'Sreejesh has been the heart of Indian hockey's resurgence on the world stage. His achievements are not just personal milestones but proud moments for the entire hockey fraternity. We are extremely proud of him and look forward to seeing him shape the future of Indian hockey through his coaching."
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Hockey India congratulate PR Sreejesh on receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan
New Delhi, April 28: PR Sreejesh, former goalkeeper of the Indian Men's Hockey Team and current coach of the Indian Junior Men's Team, has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. Hockey India on Monday, proudly congratulated Sreejesh for receiving this prestigious recognition. This remarkable recognition places Sreejesh alongside the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, making him only the second hockey player in history to receive the Padma Bhushan. Dhyan Chand was bestowed with this honour in 1956, and nearly seven decades later, Sreejesh's contribution to Indian hockey earns him a place among the greats. Celebrated as the 'God of Modern Indian Hockey,' Sreejesh enjoyed a glittering 18-year international career, earning 336 caps for India before bidding farewell to professional hockey after the Paris 2024 Olympics. True to form, he delivered a series of stunning performances to help India clinch a Bronze medal, following up on the historic Bronze win at Tokyo 2020. Throughout his distinguished career, Sreejesh collected numerous accolades, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award three times (2021, 2022, and 2024), the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year in 2021. Since making his senior international debut in 2010, he became a backbone of the Indian defense, known for his composure and brilliance under pressure. Transitioning smoothly into coaching, Sreejesh led the Indian junior team to a memorable Junior Asia Cup title win in November 2024, continuing to contribute to Indian hockey's growing success story. Sreejesh's impressive resume also includes appearances at four Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024), two Asian Games Gold medals (2014 and 2022), an Asian Games Bronze medal (2018), and two Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014 and 2022). He also played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy on four occasions (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023). Reflecting on this significant honour, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, 'PR Sreejesh's contribution to Indian hockey, both as a player and now as a coach, has been extraordinary. He exemplifies dedication, excellence, and leadership. This Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to a career that has inspired countless young players across India. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.' Adding to the sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh stated, 'Sreejesh has been the heart of Indian hockey's resurgence on the world stage. His achievements are not just personal milestones but proud moments for the entire hockey fraternity. We are extremely proud of him and look forward to seeing him shape the future of Indian hockey through his coaching.'
