Hockey India has decided to make the iconic jersey number 16 unavailable for the senior Indian men's hockey team as a tribute to goalkeeping great PR Sreejesh, who recently ended his illustrious 18-year long career. Sreejesh was known as the last line of defense for the Indian team and kept the opponents at bay consistently throughout his career between the posts. His contributions in helping India win prestigious medals at multiple international tournaments have been immense.
As a mark of respect for his outstanding service to the nation, Hockey India has chosen to retire Sreejesh's jersey number 16 from the senior team setup. However, the number will continue to be in use for the junior teams as Sreejesh is all set to take up a new coaching role with the junior setup. He will look to pass on his vast experience and nurture the next generation of goalkeepers while they continue sporting the iconic number 16 jersey.
The moment was made even more special as the current Indian team wore replica jerseys with Sreejesh's name as a tribute during a recent felicitation ceremony. Sreejesh brought the curtains down on an illustrious career last week after helping India secure a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding to the bronze he won in 2020 Tokyo Games. Over the years, the ace keeper has been integral to India's numerous gold, silver and bronze medal winning performances at various prestigious tournaments like Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy.
His contributions in helping strengthen Indian hockey and establish the team as a powerhouse in world hockey will never be forgotten. Retiring Sreejesh's jersey number is a fitting tribute by Hockey India to honor the goalkeeping stalwart who wore the number 16 jersey with immense pride while representing the nation on the global stage.
