Sreejesh Questions Investment in Foreign Coach After India’s Dismal FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 Season

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has heavily criticised the trajectory of the men's national hockey team following their eighth-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 season. The legendary shot-stopper questioned the financial wisdom of employing an expensive foreign coaching setup if the team remains unable to challenge the world's elite on the global stage. India Beat Pakistan 4-3 in FIH Pro League 2025-26 Encounter.

India concluded their underwhelming Pro League campaign in London with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over England following a goalless draw. The result left India languishing in eighth place in the nine-team table, having managed only four victories out of 16 matches across the season, with only Pakistan finishing below them.

Sreejesh Slams Hockey India

Regional Success vs World Standards

While acknowledging India's recent continental achievements, including the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, the Olympic bronze medallist insisted that regional dominance must no longer be viewed as the benchmark for success.

He also countered the common justification that the senior squad's primary focus remains on the Asian Games due to its status as an Olympic qualification route. Sreejesh argued that real progress means consistently competing with elite sides from Europe and Oceania rather than settling for comfortable victories within Asia.

Scrutiny Over Coaching Expenditures

The crux of Sreejesh’s critique targeted the high expenditure dedicated to overseas staff. He questioned whether the returns justified the substantial financial outlay allocated by the national federation and sports authorities. India Clinches FIH Nations Cup 2025-26 Title, Returns to Women's Hockey Pro League.

'So here's the question: Are we spending €24,286 [approximately £20,500 / Rs 25 lakh] a month on a foreign chief coach just to dominate Asian competitions?' Sreejesh asked. 'Or are we investing to become a genuine medal contender at the World Cup, Pro League, and Olympics?'

The public outburst adds to a complicated relationship between Sreejesh and Hockey India in 2026. Earlier in May, the veteran figure expressed major frustration with the governing body after his tenure as the head coach of the India U-21 men's team came to an abrupt end despite securing five podium finishes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 08:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).