'Rahul Dravid is an example': Olympic medalist PR Sreejesh makes big statement on coaching plans

Indian hockey legend and Olympic bronze medalist PR Sreejesh has set his sights on a new goal - coaching. In a candid conversation on Tuesday, Sreejesh revealed his ambitions to transition from player to coach, drawing inspiration from none other than cricketing icon Rahul Dravid.

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PR Sreejesh on coaching plans

PR Sreejesh's coaching vision is both strategic and long-term. He envisions a journey similar to that of Rahul Dravid, who successfully transitioned from mentoring junior cricketers to taking charge of the senior Indian team and eventually wining the World Cup. 

"I want to become a coach. That was always my plan, but now there is a question of when. After retirement, family comes first. I need to talk with them if they are OK with this. Now you have to listen to your wife a little bit," Sreejesh told PTI.

"The way I wanted is to start with the juniors, and Rahul Dravid is an example. It's like you develop a bunch of players, get them into the senior team, and let them follow you," Sreejesh explained.

His plan is meticulously thought out. Sreejesh aims to kickstart his coaching career this year, with an eye on the Junior World Cup in 2025. He hopes to build a strong pipeline of talent that will eventually feed into the senior national team. "Maybe by 2028, I can produce 20 or 40 players, and by 2029, I can have 15-20 players in the senior team, and by 2030, almost like 30-35 players in the senior side," he outlined.

But Sreejesh's aspirations don't stop there. He has his eyes set on the ultimate prize, becoming the chief coach of the Indian hockey team. "And by 2032, I will be ready for the chief coach's position. If India gets to host the 2036 Olympic Games, I want to be the India coach," Sreejesh concluded.

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As he contemplates his future off the field, Sreejesh's passion for the sport and his desire to contribute to the next generation of Indian hockey talent is evident. Should his plans come to fruition, India could have a seasoned leader at the helm when the nation potentially hosts the 2036 Olympics.

PR Sreejesh and his team won the second consecutive men's hockey bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. India beat Spain 2-1 to win the bronze medal.