Star Coach PR Sreejesh Leads Indian Junior Team in Sultan of Johor Opener Against Japan

PR Sreejesh capped off his journey with Indian Hockey team with a bronze medal win over Spain at 2024 Paris Olympics . While team rooted for gold, y h to settle for a bronze finish. Sreejesh donned India jersey, and he was impressive in his last campaign for team. Hockey India even retired his jersey no. 16 from senior hockey team after his historic contribution to nation. 

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PR Sreejesh eyes to bring India glory as India men’s Jr. team coach

Two-time Olympic medal-winning stalwart P R Sreejesh will face his first major test as India's new junior men's hockey coach when under-21 team aims for a fourth title triumph at 12th Sultan of Johor Cup, beginning with a clash against Japan on Saturday.

36-year-old former goalkeeper, who retired after bronze-winning campaign in Paris Olympics earlier this year, took over reins of junior group soon after.

India triumphed over Japan in ir last encounter at Junior Asia Cup in May last year, securing a 3-1 victory and also defeated m 5-1 in 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup.

" team has been training well under new he coach PR Sreejesh and we are excited to play our first tournament with him," captain Amir Ali said in a release.

"After losing to Germany last time, we were unable to retain our crown but this time we are better equipped and rey to take on any team in competition." 

India, who have previously won title in 2013, 2014 and 2022, will face Britain on Sunday. side is also a four-time second-place finisher in event.

Following a day off, Indians will take on hosts Malaysia on October 22 and n Australia on October 23.

India will conclude group stage against New Zealand on October 25, aiming to finish in top two to vance to final on October 26.

"We have been training hard over past few days to be in best shape ahe of Sultan of Johor Cup," vice-captain Rohit said.

"This time around, team has several new players who are excited to demonstrate ir abilities on field. All of players are encouraging one anor to improve in preparation for a busy time for us, which includes men's junior Asia Cup Muscat in November." 

After Paris campaign, Sreejesh h stated that he always harboured coaching ambitions and wanted to be Rahul Dravid of Indian hockey by shaping younger generation of players.

Dravid, before serving as senior team coach, mentored under-19 players for a significant duration.

(With PTI Inputs)