With the Hockey India League returning with eight men’s and six women’s teams, legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will also return to hockey turf but in a different role.
While many were expecting him to feature between the goalposts, the Indian maverick will return as the brand ambassador of the Delhi franchise set to take part in the upcoming league.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement after winning a second bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was handed the role of junior Indian men’s team – pending final approval from SAI and the sports ministry.
With his new role involving him in guiding the team during the league, it effectively means that Sreejesh won’t be part of the auction scheduled in the latter half of the month.
“Yes, PR Sreejesh won’t be part of the auctions as he has been roped into a different role with one of the franchises of the upcoming Hockey India League,” one of the sources close to the development told The Bridge.
The announcement of his new role is expected soon with auction dates for HIL coming close.
Along with Sreejesh, the Delhi franchise has roped in India’s former coach Graham Reid as the head coach of the franchise, The Bridge can confirm.
Graham Reid is credited for the revival of Indian hockey for orchestrating India’s first podium finish in 41 years at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Delhi franchise has been bought by SG Sports Ventures which is owned by APL Apollo Tubes Limited. The venture is expected to launch both men’s and women’s teams.
SG Sports Ventures already has its teams in the Global Chess League (Alpine SG Pipers) and Ultimate Table Tennis (Ahmedabad SG Pipers).
The Hockey India League is returning after a hiatus of seven years and will be played in an FIH-sanctioned window from December 2024 to the first week of February 2025.
Players from top 15 countries have been invited to the tournament by Hockey India and announcement regarding the teams and auctions is expected tomorrow.