One of India’s most celebrated goalkeepers, Shri Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh, popularly known as P. R. Sreejesh, has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his monumental achievements in the field of sports—particularly in Indian hockey.
A native of Kizhakkambalam in Kerala, Sreejesh is known as the “Great Wall of Indian Hockey” for his unmatched goalkeeping skills. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought in hockey. His heroic saves and unmatched consistency also helped India secure another bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
Sreejesh has represented India in over 330 international matches and was named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2024. His inspiring journey—from a village boy in Kerala to becoming one of the world’s finest goalkeepers—has captured the admiration of sports fans across the country.
Following his retirement from international hockey, Sreejesh has taken on the role of mentor and coach for India’s under-21 men’s hockey team, continuing to serve Indian sports by nurturing young talent.
On receiving the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Sreejesh said:
“This honour is bigger than me. It belongs to every Indian hockey player who dreamed, sweated, and fought for the tricolour.”
His recognition has been met with celebration across Kerala and the sports community nationwide. The Kerala government earlier honoured him with a ₹2 crore cash award and a state-wide reception.
The Padma Bhushan bestowed upon Shri P. R. Sreejesh is a fitting tribute to a career defined by resilience, excellence, and service to the nation through sport.
