Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt letter to former Indian hockey stalwart PR Sreejesh, expressing his deep appreciation for Sreejesh’s “monumental contributions” to Indian hockey.
PR Sreejesh, widely known as ‘The Wall’ for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, shared the letter from the Prime Minister on social media. In his post, he wrote, “Received this heart-warming letter from @narendramodi Sir on my retirement. Hockey is my life, and I’ll continue to serve the game and work towards making India a powerhouse in hockey, starting with the 2020 and 2024 Olympic medals. Thank You, PM Sir, for your faith in me.”
Sreejesh, who debuted internationally at the 2006 South Asian Games in Sri Lanka, has represented India in 328 matches. He recently retired after securing a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at the Paris Games, concluding a legendary career.
Prime Minister Modi’s letter began with congratulations: “First of all, congratulations on yet another outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics to bring home the bronze medal. It must have been a deeply emotional moment for you to savor the sweetness of victory while also coming to terms with this being your last game for the country as a player.”
- Advertisement -
The Prime Minister also highlighted Sreejesh’s future role in Indian hockey: “I am sure that the final hooter that sounded in the game was only a signal for the beginning of the next half of the game of life, in which you will be the Head Coach of the Junior Men’s team. I am sure your work in the new role will be as impactful and inspirational.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Sreejesh has been a part of the 2022 Asian Games gold medal-winning team, clinched the Asian Champions Trophy four times, and secured a bronze medal at the FIH Hockey World League Final in 2015. He was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
“As you call it a day on your playing career, I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation for your monumental contributions to Indian hockey,” the letter continued.
Sreejesh has also been the recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2017. Additionally, he was a key player in the Indian squad that won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and a gold medal at the Asian Games.
Reflecting on his time as India’s goalkeeper, PM Modi wrote, “When you stood on the field as our goalkeeper, there was a sense of assurance in the hearts of Indian fans that no matter what, Sreejesh will take care. Time and again, you have been the wall that stood between victory and defeat, with your quick reflexes, sharp instincts, and calm confidence under pressure.”
The Prime Minister also recalled Sreejesh’s remarkable saves in critical moments, such as the penalty strokes he blocked to secure India’s gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games final, and praised his leadership in guiding the team to the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics, which marked a revival in Indian hockey.
Following his retirement after playing a crucial role in securing India’s second consecutive Olympic bronze at the Paris Games, Hockey India, in honor of ‘The Wall,’ retired Sreejesh’s iconic jersey number 16 from the senior national team.
PM Modi concluded the letter by acknowledging the indelible memories Sreejesh has given to Indian hockey fans: “The back-to-back medals in Tokyo and Paris, in which you played a crucial role, are a dream come true for crores of fans. There are countless such memories that one can recall, and one letter would never be sufficient!”
