Former Indian men’s hockey team captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was on Saturday conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.
Recently retired cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was among the recipients of the Padma Shri. Additionally, football legend IM Vijayan and India’s first Paralympic gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh were also conferred with the Padma Shri.
A total of four athletes and a para-coach were included in the list of 139 individuals who were honoured with the prestigious civilian awards on Saturday.
Para-athletics coach Satyapal Singh, who played a key role in mentoring high-jumper Praveen Kumar, a gold medalist at the Paris Paralympics and recipient of the Khel Ratna award, has also been honoured with the Padma Shri.
Ashwin, 38, bid farewell to international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, concluding his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 wickets across 106 matches.
Interestingly, the 36-year-old Sreejesh, revered as the ‘God of Modern Indian Hockey’ and currently serving as coach of the Indian men’s junior hockey team, becomes only the second hockey player to receive the Padma Bhushan after the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who was honoured with the award in 1956.
Sreejesh expressed his gratitude upon receiving the Padma Bhushan, stating: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Padma Bhushan, and I would like to thank the Government of India for this recognition. Hockey has been my life for almost two decades, and every time I stepped onto the field, it was to give my best for the country. This award is a tribute to all the players, coaches, and support staff who have been a part of my journey. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Major Dhyan Chand, who remains an eternal source of inspiration for all of us.”
Sreejesh’s stellar career, which spanned 18 years and saw him represent India in 336 international matches, came to a close after the Paris Olympics 2024. In his final appearance at the Olympics, Sreejesh’s exceptional goalkeeping helped India secure a Bronze, adding to the historic Bronze medal won in Tokyo 2020.
His long list of accolades includes being named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the Arjuna Award in 2015, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021. Sreejesh, who made his senior debut in 2010, was a cornerstone of the Indian team’s resurgence on the global stage, and his leadership and experience were crucial during high-pressure moments in major tournaments.
Moreover, as a coach, Sreejesh guided India Colts to a Junior Asia Cup title win in November 2024.
Meanwhile, Hockey India extended its heartfelt congratulations to the hockey legend.
Expressing his delight, HI president Dilip Tirkey said: “It is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey community that PR Sreejesh has been recognised with the Padma Bhushan. His contribution to Indian hockey has been truly monumental, both as a player and now as a mentor to the next generation. His achievements have inspired countless young players, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honour.”
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added: “PR Sreejesh’s journey is one of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. His accolades on the field speak volumes about his commitment to the sport. Being only the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive the Padma Bhushan is a testament to his extraordinary career and his lasting impact on Indian hockey.”
The Padma Awards recognize exceptional contributions to society in various fields. This year’s list includes seven Padma Vibhushan recipients, 19 Padma Bhushan awardees, and 113 Padma Shri honorees.
