Olympic star PR Sreejesh receives hero's welcome in Kochi

NEW DELHI: India's legendary hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who recently played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, received a grand reception in his home state after arriving at Kochi Airport with his family.
Sreejesh retired after nearly two decades of an illustrious career and will now transition into a coaching role for the junior men's hockey team.
Sreejesh, 36, was a key player in the Indian team that triumphed over Spain 2-1 to clinch the bronze medal in the play-off match at the Paris Olympics.
His retirement marks the end of a significant era in Indian hockey, as the governing body announced that the No.16 jersey, worn by Sreejesh, will be retired from the senior men's team in his honour.
Upon his arrival at Kochi Airport, Sreejesh was greeted by a large crowd, including the Ernakulam District Collector, four legislators, and officials from the Kerala Olympic Association.
Sreejesh expressed his joy at the reception, stating, "This reception will motivate the young generation. I have been a player all along and I know exactly what a player needs. Now that I am appointed as the coach of the junior national team, I will have to transform from a player to a coach. I need to prepare for that transformation which will take a few months."
Exiting the airport in an open jeep for a roadshow, Sreejesh was welcomed by hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren.
He waved to the crowd as the jeep made its way towards his hometown Kunnathunadu, with stops for public receptions at important junctions and UC College, Aluva.
Before departing Delhi earlier in the day, Sreejesh and his family met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who interacted warmly with the Olympian's young son.
Sreejesh currently holds the position of Chief Sports Organiser in the Kerala Education Department, with the rank of a director.