India veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is set to retire from international hockey after the Paris Olympics, starting later this month.
Sreejesh will take part in his fourth Olympic Games in Paris and will be hoping to sign off by adding to his bronze medal from the 2020 edition in Tokyo.
The 36-year-old, who made his debut for India in 2006, announced his retirement on social media.
“As I stand on the threshold of my final chapter in international hockey, my heart swells with gratitude and reflection. Thank you for believing in me. Here’s to the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new adventure.,” he posted on Instagram.
He added, “Leading the Indian team as captain in the Olympics was an honor beyond words. And being named the world’s best goalkeeper was a recognition that I will cherish forever. The crowning glory, our Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020, was a dream realised.
Among his other honours, the India international of 328 caps has won the Asian Games gold twice, Asia Cup twice and the Asian Champions trophy on four separate occasions.
READ | Sreejesh: I wanted to play Paris 2024, otherwise could have ended my career three years ago
Sreejesh was conferred with the Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honour in the country.
Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh said that the side will dedicate the Paris 2024 campaign to Sreejesh.
“Paris 2024 will indeed be a special tournament. We have decided to dedicate our campaign to the legend PR Sreejesh. He has been an inspiration for all of us and I still remember his mentorship in 2016 Junior World Cup when we lifted the title.
“It was the beginning of many of our careers in International hockey and he has shaped each one of our careers in his own way. We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again,” said Harmanpreet.
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